The Cincinnati Bearcats continue to make their presence felt on the recruiting trail, with both the football and men’s basketball programs adding highly regarded prospects to their respective boards. From a top-ranked Kentucky offensive lineman to several nationally ranked basketball prospects, Cincinnati has been active across multiple recruiting classes.
Here’s a look at some of the latest recruiting developments surrounding the Bearcats.
Football Recruiting
Ryan Wall
The Bearcats have made the top 12 for 2028 four-star interior offensive lineman Ryan Wall, according to his latest announcement. Wall, who plays at Murray High School in Kentucky, is currently regarded as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the state of Kentucky in the 2028 recruiting class.
Cincinnati is competing with a loaded group of programs for Wall, including Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, Penn State, Florida State, Auburn, Ole Miss, Louisville and Virginia Tech. Keeping one of the top offensive line prospects in the region in-state would be a significant addition for the Bearcats as they continue building their 2028 recruiting class.
You can find his Sophomore season highlights in the link below:
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21891292/693842e35b111c91ceacc398
Basketball Recruiting
Mason Grivna
Cincinnati men’s basketball head coach Jerrod Calhoun has extended an offer to 2029 four-star center Mason Grivna, adding another highly regarded big man to the Bearcats’ recruiting board. The 7-foot prospect from Ballard High School in Louisville has begun to attract significant attention nationally during the early stages of his recruitment.
Grivna is currently ranked among the nation’s top players in the 2029 class and is considered one of the premier centers in his class. For Calhoun, establishing a relationship with a 7-footer who already carries a four-star designation is another opportunity to build Cincinnati’s recruiting pipeline well into the future.
Carter Smith
The Bearcats have also offered 2028 four-star combo guard Carter Smith, a 6-foot-3 prospect from William Penn Charter in Philadelphia. Smith currently holds a 90 rating from 247Sports and is ranked among the top prospects nationally at his position.
Smith’s ability to play both guard spots makes him an intriguing target for Calhoun and his staff. The early offer gives Cincinnati an opportunity to establish a relationship with Smith well before his recruitment reaches its final stages.
Rowan Phillips
Another highly regarded 2028 prospect to receive an offer from Cincinnati is four-star guard Rowan Phillips. The 6-foot-6 Phillips attends Westtown School in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and is currently ranked among the nation’s top 25 prospects by 247Sports.
Phillips’ combination of size and perimeter ability makes him an especially intriguing prospect. With Calhoun continuing to establish his recruiting identity at Cincinnati, getting involved with a player of Phillips’ caliber this early could prove important as his recruitment develops.
Joshua Tyson
One of the most notable developments surrounding Cincinnati’s basketball recruiting efforts involves 2027 four-star point guard Joshua Tyson. According to 247Sports, Tyson is scheduled to return to Cincinnati for another visit on September 18, giving Calhoun and the Bearcats another opportunity to make an impression.
Tyson is also scheduled to take five official visits as he works through his recruitment. Cincinnati’s upcoming visit could be particularly important as Calhoun looks to make a push for the talented point guard. With another opportunity to bring Tyson back to campus, the Bearcats will have a chance to strengthen their position before he wraps up his official visits.
The Bottom Line
Cincinnati’s recruiting activity continues to span multiple classes and both major revenue sports. Ryan Wall gives the football program a chance to pursue one of Kentucky’s top offensive linemen, while Calhoun and the basketball staff are already targeting nationally ranked talent such as Grivna, Smith and Phillips. Meanwhile, Tyson’s upcoming return to campus provides Cincinnati with another important opportunity in a recruitment that could have a major impact on the future of the Bearcats’ backcourt.
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