Images courtesy of MJ Collins
Cincinnati already looked like a team capable of returning to the NCAA Tournament in 2026-27. The addition of transfer guard MJ Collins Jr may be what elevates the Bearcats from simply making the field to competing for a much higher seed when March arrives.
Coach Jerrod Calhoun added one of last years most productive guards when Collins announced his commitment to Cincinnati. The 6’4″, 195lb guard arrives in Clifton after stops at Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, and most recently Utah State, where he put together the best season of his collegiate career.
Collins started all 36 games for the Aggies during the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.5 points per game while earning All-Mountain West Second Team and NABC All-Mountain District First Team honors. He shot 48.7 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from three-point range, and helped lead Utah State to a Mountain West Tournament Championship, earning Tournament MVP honors along the way
The stats tell part of the story, but Collins’ game offers much more than scoring production.
A Dangerous Polished Offensive Weapon
Collins has developed into one of the most versatile scoring guards in college basketball. He can attack defenders off the dribble, operate in pick and roll situations, create offense from the midrange, and knock down perimeter shots when defenses collapse.
One of the most impressive parts of his scoring is his ability to create his own shot. Nearly 70 percent of his made midrange jumpers last season were self-created, and he converted those opportunities at an impressive 49.4 percent. In an era where many offenses rely heavily on assisted baskets, Collins possesses the ability to create and capitalize when possessions break down.
That skill becomes even more valuable during conference play and the postseason, when defenses become more physical and easy looks are harder to find.
Collins is also highly effective as a pick and roll creator. His basketball IQ, patience, and footwork allow him to read defenses and make quick decisions, whether that means attacking the lane, pulling up from midrange, or finding an open teammate.
While he is capable of creating his own offense, he remains an efficient catch-and-shoot threat as well, connecting on 36.1 percent of his three-point attempts when assisted.
MJ Collins is only one of two players from last season’s top 10 in on-court impact returning to college basketball this season. This chart shows the national RAPM (Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus) leaderboard.
More Than Just a Scorer
The most intriguing aspect of Collins’ fit at Cincinnati may be what he brings on the defensive side of the ball.
A scrappy guard who plays with a relentless motor, Collins competes with the type of energy that coaches love. He combines a strong frame with impressive lateral quickness, allowing him to stay in front of opposing guards and defend effectively in space.
His athleticism stands out, but it is his effort and consistency that make him a dependable two-way player. He embraces physical play, competes on every possession, and provides the kind of defensive intensity that has long been associated with successful Cincinnati Bearcat basketball teams.
Raising the Ceiling
Cincinnati’s expectations entering the season seem to be universal among Bearcat fans. The Bearcats have assembled a roster capable of competing near the upper-middle of the pack in the Big 12, signaling a potential return to the NCAA Tournament.
Collins changes the conversation.
With 134 career games and 81 starts under his belt, he arrives with extensive experience and proven production. He has played meaningful basketball in multiple high-major conferences and was the go-to option on a championship team at Utah State.
More importantly, he gives Cincinnati something every successful team needs.. A proven bucket-getter. A guy that you can depend on in crunch time to get you points when the game gets crucial. Something Cincinnati hasn’t had in recent years. It’s been a while since Cincinnati has had a true alpha on offense. My mind goes back to Landers Nolley, and Jarron Cumberland as the most recent.
Final Thoughts
There will be nights in the Big 12 when offensive possessions become difficult and defenses take away first options. Collins has repeatedly shown he can create offense on his own, get downhill, score at all three levels, and deliver in high pressure moments.
The Bearcats did not simply add another experienced guard.
They added a player capable of becoming one of the Big 12’s most impactful transfers and potentially Cincinnati’s leading scorer. If the Bearcats are playing their best basketball in March, don’t be surprised if Collins is one of the biggest reasons why.
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