Big news for Buckeye Nation! On June 3, 2025, 18-year-old German-French sharpshooter Mathieu Grujicic announced he’s bringing his talents to Ohio State for the 2025-26 basketball season. This 6’5” (or maybe even 6’7”, depending on who you ask) wing is a huge get for head coach Jake Diebler, and fans are already buzzing about what he’ll bring to Columbus. Let’s dive into why Grujicic’s commitment is such a big deal and how this rising star could light up the Big Ten.

A Young Star Forged in Europe’s Basketball Hotbeds

Picture this: a kid from Berlin with Serbian roots, tearing it up on courts across Europe. That’s Mathieu Grujicic. Before choosing Ohio State, he was making waves with FC Barcelona’s youth teams, even getting some minutes with their senior squad in the ultra-competitive EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa. In Spain’s fourth-tier league with Barca’s second team, he was dropping 12.9 points, grabbing 4.9 rebounds, dishing 2 assists, and swiping a steal per game over 21 appearances. Oh, and he shot nearly 49% from the field—pretty darn good for a teenager going up against grown men.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Grujicic turned heads at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp, where he outshined 60 of the continent’s best young players to take home MVP honors. He kept the momentum going in 2025 at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Ulm, averaging 13.6 points and 3.5 assists while draining 40% of his three-pointers. The guy was a walking highlight reel, especially when he dropped 20 points to lead Barca’s U19 squad to a Spanish national championship, earning another MVP award. It’s safe to say this kid knows how to shine when the spotlight’s on.

Why Ohio State? It Just Makes Sense

Grujicic had options. Big-name schools like Tennessee, Kansas State, Clemson, and Louisville were all in the mix, but he picked Ohio State. Why? Well, for one, the Buckeyes desperately need a shooter and a versatile wing, and Grujicic checks both boxes. With only eight scholarship players returning—including stars like Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal—Coach Diebler is rebuilding a squad that can compete in the rough-and-tumble Big Ten. Grujicic’s skills fit like a glove, and Ohio State’s track record of developing international talent probably sealed the deal.

It’s also worth noting that Diebler’s staff has been on a recruiting tear. They’re not just filling roster spots; they’re finding players who can make an instant impact. Grujicic’s commitment shows Ohio State is becoming a go-to spot for global stars, and that’s something every Buckeye fan can get excited about.

What’s Grujicic Bringing to the Table?

At 6’5” (or taller) and around 200 pounds, Grujicic is the kind of player coaches dream about. He’s got a silky-smooth three-point shot—hitting over 40% in the ANGT—and can handle the ball like a guard. Whether he’s backing up Devin Royal at small forward or sliding into the backcourt with guys like Bruce Thornton or Gabe Cupps, he’s got the versatility to make things happen. And let’s not forget his knack for making plays under pressure. The guy’s already played in the EuroLeague, so you know he’s not going to shy away from Big Ten battles.

Scouts are already whispering about his NBA potential. DraftExpress called him a “high-level shooter/scorer,” and it’s easy to see why. Whether he’s draining threes or creating off the dribble, Grujicic has the tools to be a fan favorite at the Schottenstein Center. Plus, his experience against older competition in Europe means he’s probably ready to handle the physicality of college ball right out of the gate.

A Bright Spot for Ohio State’s Future

Grujicic’s commitment is part of a bigger picture for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been busy this offseason, adding six new players, including transfers like Christoph Tilly from Santa Clara, Brandon Noel from Wright State, and Joshua Ojianwuna from Baylor, plus high school recruit Myles Herro, who committed just a day before Grujicic. With a top-40 national recruiting class and an eighth-place ranking in the Big Ten, Ohio State is building something special for 2025-26.

Sure, Grujicic will need to adjust to the faster, more physical college game, but his time in Europe’s pro leagues has him well-prepared. Whether he’s coming off the bench to spark the offense or earning a starting spot, he’s got the potential to be a difference-maker. Buckeye fans are already dreaming of him draining clutch threes in front of a roaring home crowd.

Part of a Bigger Trend

Grujicic’s journey from FC Barcelona to Ohio State is part of a growing wave of international players making their mark in college hoops. Programs like Barca’s have churned out NBA talent like Ricky Rubio, and Grujicic could be next in line. His decision to join the Buckeyes shows that Ohio State isn’t just competing for local recruits—they’re going global, and it’s paying off.

What’s Next for Grujicic and the Buckeyes?

As Grujicic gets ready to trade Barcelona for Columbus, all eyes will be on how he meshes with Ohio State’s talented roster. Can he become a go-to scorer as a freshman? Will his EuroLeague experience give him an edge in the Big Ten? And could he catch the eye of NBA scouts sooner rather than later? One thing’s for sure: Buckeye fans have a lot to look forward to.

Mathieu Grujicic’s commitment is a statement. Ohio State isn’t just rebuilding—they’re reloading with talent that can compete on any stage. So, get ready, Columbus. A new star is on his way, and he’s ready to light up the scoreboard.