Ohio State men’s basketball has secured two impactful commitments ahead of the 2025–26 season as German guard Mathieu Grujicic and Wisconsin standout Myles Herro officially join the Buckeyes’ freshmen class. These additions, combined with transfer portal upgrades and returning starters, aim to boost a program eager to reclaim its spot in the NCAA Tournament. This article explores their backgrounds, what they bring to Columbus, and how they fit into head coach Jake Diebler’s bigger picture.
Mathieu Grujicic, born June 2, 2007, in Arles, France, but raised in Germany, is a remarkable international recruit. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 205 pounds, he spent his formative years with ALBA Berlin before joining FC Barcelona’s youth programs in 2023. During his final season with Barcelona’s U18 squad, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting over 40 percent from three-point range. His versatility, ball-handling, and shooting earned him MVP honors at several prestigious events, including the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, Basketball Without Borders Europe Camp, and U18 tournaments in Spain.
Beyond scoring, Grujicic has valuable pro-level experience. In 2025, he made his debut in the EuroLeague and the Liga ACB with Barcelona’s senior team, becoming one of the youngest to do so. He also represented Germany at the U16 European Championship in 2023 and speaks five languages: German, French, Serbian, Spanish, and English. The Buckeyes are acquiring a polished, mature talent—with international poise and the skill to contribute immediately.
Myles Herro, meanwhile, arrives from Milwaukee Whitnall High, where he posted impressive senior-year averages: 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. As a three-star prospect, he was ranked about 40th among Wisconsin point guards. An unranked three-star composite by 247Sports, Herro shined in Nike EYBL circuits, bringing strong passing instincts to complement his scoring. Notably, he is the younger brother of NBA All-Star Tyler Herro, adding some pedigree to the Buckeye backcourt.
It’s clear that Diebler and his staff are aiming for backcourt balance and depth. Grujicic brings international experience, shooting, and size fit for multiple roles—guard, wing, or small forward. Herro brings floor leadership and playmaking. Both join existing backcourt pieces such as Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and reserve guards Gabe Cupps and Taison Chatman.
Ohio State’s 2025 roster build extends beyond the freshmen. Transfers like Brandon Noel from Wright State (13 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Christoph Tilly (a seven-foot German center from Santa Clara), Joshua Ojianwuna (Baylor), and Gabe Cupps (Indiana) strengthen the frontcourt and lineup options. Freshman PF A’mare Bynum is another high-ceiling addition. And if Diebler secures a veteran transfer, that would complete the class.
The motivation behind this refresh is clear. Under Diebler, the Buckeyes finished 17–15 and 10th in the Big Ten last season. Their absence from the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive years only intensified the urgency for improvement. The freshmen and transfers represent a strategic effort to avoid stagnation and aggressively chase postseason relevance.
Looking closer at Grujicic’s role, Ohio State fans have reason to be excited. His ability to stretch the floor with above-40-percent accuracy from three and handle the ball positions him as a modern wing. He can deliver mobile rim-spacing or relief as an offensive creator off the bench. The athleticism, foreign development, and maturity hunters will provide flexibility in rotations and adapt to various matchups.
Herro presents a different, complementary skill set. His court vision, willingness to pass first, and ability to score when needed help diversify the guard lineup. As a mature point guard, he can enable ball movement, maintain tempo, and assist in leadership eras on the floor. Diebler’s vision of letting guards dictate games aligns well with Herro’s strengths.
These moves reflect a thoughtful approach by Diebler. Rather than gamble solely on portal additions, he prioritized young, coachable freshmen with distinct capabilities. That strategy is paying off in terms of roster construction.
Yet, questions remain. Backcourt minutes will be competitive. Thornton and Mobley Jr. are established scorers. Can Grujicic and Herro earn rotation roles or start immediately? Will cultural and on-court adjustments come quickly enough? Their impact may come over time, but early summer practices and workouts will be critical in shaping how coaches plan rotations for the season.
It also comes down to cohesion between freshmen, transfers, and veterans. If the mix clicks, Ohio State could see a significant bump in performance, especially defensively and in transitions. If not, they risk ending up in another middling season.
What analysts aren’t debating is the significance of these commitments. Grujicic is widely seen as one of the top international recruits to land at Ohio State, an indicator of growing global scouting reach and a statement of intent from the program. Herro, with lineage and production, is a home-run play in the three-star category.
The question many Ohio State fans ask now is: will it be enough? With their recruiting and roster shake-ups, are they finally on track to reach the NCAA Tournament and perhaps advance past the early rounds?
Some remain skeptical. Debate continues over whether Ohio State has addressed key needs, particularly in the frontcourt and rebounding; there are uncertainties around returning bigs and injury recovery. For others, though, the potential is undeniable—four-year freshmen, experienced transfers, returning scorers—all ready under a new system focused on pace, versatility, and international flair.
What is certain: the Buckeyes’ 2025 class won’t go unnoticed. The incoming freshmen and transfers have pedigree, accolades, and specific skills tied to the modern college game. With one scholarship left, each addition matters. And the mix so far—veteran guards, talented wings, size inside—suggests Diebler’s roster is shaping up for competitiveness.
Ohio State will tip off the 2025–26 season expecting more than just participation. They’re aiming for a return to the NCAA Tournament. Whether their fresh international backcourt and prime-time additions will be catalysts remains to be seen—but the infrastructure is in place.
For a program craving postseason relevance, this might be the turning point. The future is international, dynamic, and deep. Buckeye Nation will be watching this class with excitement, hopeful their faith is well placed—and ready to celebrate as the Buckeyes once again make an impact in March.
As summer workouts begin and fall practices loom, the attention turns to integration. Can Grujicic’s shot-making and Herro’s playmaking mesh with Thornton’s scoring and Mobley’s athleticism? Will veterans like Brandon Noel and Christoph Tilly thrive in their roles? Now the blueprint exists. Success now depends on execution.
