The Duke Blue Devils are making significant moves in their recruitment efforts, setting their sights on Christian Collins, a 5-star forward ranked No. 3 in the 2026 class. Collins, who stands at 6’8″, plays for St. John Bosco High School in California and is among the most popular prospects in the country.
With offers from some of the most prestigious programs, Kansas, UCLA, Kentucky, and now Duke’s official interest, the recruitment process has intensified. Duke has set up their head coach, Jon Scheyer, who is focused on finding a versatile and athletic player to help drive the Blue Devils’ success over the next few seasons.
Duke’s Strategic Recruitment of Christian Collins
Jon Scheyer’s visit to Collins is part of Duke’s strategy, aimed at staying ahead of the competition, securing the best talent early in the recruiting process. Collins’ versatility, speed, and ability to play multiple positions fit in well with Duke’s playing system.
Not only does his versatility in scoring and defense, but also his size and endurance, make him the perfect match for the Blue Devils’ system.
BREAKING: Duke will meet with five-star prospect Christian Collins (@_ChristianC11_) at his school tomorrow, per @DushawnLondon1.
Collins is ranked No. 3 in the class of 2026. pic.twitter.com/ORrsuSPZDc
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) April 28, 2025
Duke’s commitment to finding high-caliber athletes like Collins shows its dedication to building a strong team. By prioritizing Collins, Duke is in a better position than other top-notch basketball programs that are also pursuing him at the moment.
This strategy demonstrates the considerable clout of initiating and maintaining regular contact early in the fiercely competitive arena of college basketball recruitment.
Collins’s ability to shoot from long range and guard multiple positions gives Duke an added dynamic to its roster. His skills significantly enhance the versatile, adaptable playing style Duke requires. Duke continues to recruit top-tier talent, ensuring success and stability for future seasons.
Collins is a versatile player whose length and athleticism allow him to impact multiple positions, standing at 6’8″ and weighing 200 pounds. Duke fans are already comparing Collins to former Blue Devils who went on to NBA success.
The showcase of the Duke brand and all their first-class facilities can persuade him to choose Duke. All eyes are on this meeting to see if Duke can close the deal.
The Competitive Landscape: Kansas, UCLA, and Others in Pursuit
Collins’ outstanding basketball skills have put him on the radar of several top programs, including Duke. Kansas, a program known for its rich basketball history, has prioritized recruiting Collins.
At the same time, UCLA’s interest shows the tough competition in pursuing Collins, and the Bruins are looking for flexible forwards to strengthen their roster.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has taken an aggressive approach to recruiting, and Christian Collins is one of his top targets. The Wildcats’ coaching staff is making a strong push, including in-home visits, to show Collins that he is a key part of their plans for the 2026 roster.
Alabama, Villanova, California, Texas, USC, and Arizona are among the standout programs expressing strong interest.
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At each of these schools, there are different possibilities available that could interest Collins, making his final decision one of the most highly anticipated in the college basketball world.
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