5-Star PF Christian Collins Reveals CBB Commitment Between Kentucky, Louisville and USC

USC landed a commitment from one of the best players in the class of 2026 on Wednesday.

Christian Collins, a power forward out of the famed St. John Bosco in California, announced on Instagram that he is committing to the Trojans over offers from Kentucky and Louisville. 247Sports' composite ranks Collins as a 5-star recruit, the No. 2 power forward in the nation and the No. 6 overall player in the 2026 class.

A 6'8", 200-pound prospect, Collins has the makings of a two-way star. He earned a selection to the McDonald's All-American Game to cap off his senior season. He's one of the best players in the country despite being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disorder that causes damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.

247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein described Collins as "one of the more talented long-term prospects in the national class" and praised his defensive skills at such a young age.

"Collins is at his best when he's flying around the court, asserting himself on the glass (8.3 rebounds in the EYBL), being active defensively, communicating, and playing with the high motor to maximize his physical tools," Finkelstein stated. "As he continues to fill-out his frame, get stronger, learn the nuances of defensive angles and close-outs, there's still significant un-tapped upside on that end of the floor. He already guards multiple positions, and has the athleticism to erase mistakes, but there's potential for both extreme versatility on-the-ball and real playmaking ability as a help-side defender."

While it was noted that Collins' offense "is still a work in progress," Finkelstein added that he "has clear tools and a long-term foundation of skill" that will allow him to develop over time.

Collins is the latest addition to a USC recruiting class that also includes twin brothers Darius and Adonis Ratliff, the sons of former NBA star Theo Ratliff. Collins will try to make the most of his freshman year as he looks to establish himself as one of the top prospects in the 2027 NBA draft.