If there was ever any question about how Jerrod Calhoun planned to approach recruiting at Cincinnati, the answer has become increasingly clear over the past 2-3 months.
The Bearcats have been as active as nearly anyone on the recruiting trail, targeting prospects across multiple classes, while continuing to bring talented players to campus. From elite top of the line prospects, to rising under-the-radar targets, Calhoun and staff are leaving no stone unturned.
A glance at some of the recent activity
Cincinnati was recently in house to evaluate five-star center Mason Grivna, one of the premier young centers in the 2029 class. The Bearcats also secured a visit with 2027 four-star point guard Payton Jones, who is set to visit campus on June 21.
The staff has continued expanding its recruiting board as well, with an offer to 2028 four-star center Peter Julius, while also hosting 2027 three-star forward Davis Cochran for an official visit from June 14-16.
The momentum doesn’t stop there.
Five-star prospect Kam Mercer, who reclassified into the 2027 class, committed to Cincinnati on May 21, giving the Bearcats one of the biggest recruiting wins of the Calhoun era so far and one of the highest ranking commitments in school history. A hometown hero in Cincinnati’s own back yard, who plays for Princeton High School.
Cincinnati also hosted 2027 three-star shooting guard Isaiah Mack-Russell for an unofficial visit on May 19 and welcomed 2027 four-star combo guard Joshua Tyson to campus shortly after extending an offer on May 16. Both local products at Winton Woods, and Lakota West.
While each of these recruitments are unique, the bigger picture can’t be ignored.
Calhoun and his staff aren’t recruiting scared.
They’re actively pursuing some of the best talent available regardless of ranking, location, or competition. Whether it’s five-star prospects, highly rated guards, or future frontcourt pieces, Cincinnati is consistently putting itself in the conversation.
That matters.
During the offseason, Calhoun has spoken about Cincinnati’s success rate once recruits make it to campus. Looking at the staff’s work in the transfer portal, it’s easy to understand why confidence is high.
That same formula now appears to be carrying over into high school recruiting.
The message being sent by Calhoun and his staff is simple, Cincinnati intends to compete for elite talent.
Coach Calhoun and staff aren’t limiting themselves to, “realistic” targets or settling for “secondary” options. They’re building relationships early, and already bringing recruits to campus at a consistent rate.
Most importantly, they’re not backing down from anyone.
Recruiting battles against major programs are never easy, but Calhoun’s staff continues to show a willingness to go head-to-head with some of the biggest brands in college basketball. Whether every recruitment ends in a commitment remains to be seen, but the aggressive mindset is a refreshing change of pace in Clifton, and should put a grin on every Bearcat fan’s face. The page has turned, and we’re in the beginning of our new chapter.
As this fan base is eager to see Cincinnati return to national prominence, this is exactly the approach we want and NEEDED to see.
The Bearcats may still be building toward their goals, but one thing is already apparent. Jerrod Calhoun is recruiting like a coach who believes Cincinnati belongs among college basketball’s elite. And a team that belongs in March.
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