Fresh off leading Christopher Columbus High School to the prestigious 2025 Chipotle Nationals championship, electrifying junior guard Jaxon Richardson has basketball powerhouses lining up at his door. The 6’6″ Miami native’s clutch performances, including a game-sealing putback slam in the 67-49 title game victory over Dynamic Prep, have cemented his status as one of 2026’s elite prospects.
Richardson’s basketball bloodline runs deep. He is the son of NBA high flyer Jason Richardson and the younger brother of Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson. However, the defensive standout is creating his legacy with his two-way brilliance throughout Columbus’ 29-3 championship season, catapulting him to No. 19 nationally in 247Sports’ rankings and generating five-star buzz across recruiting circles.
Top College Suitors Pursuing the Chipotle Nationals Champion
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State has emerged as a frontrunner in Richardson’s recruitment, with the family connection providing a compelling narrative. “Obviously, my dad and my brother are going there; it’s a great school with a great coaching staff with Coach Izzo,” Richardson told Zagsblog following his national championship. I’ve known them since I was a baby pretty much.” His November 2024 campus visit reinforced the strong ties to East Lansing.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s uptempo system presents an intriguing fit for Richardson’s explosive athleticism. “Coach Oats over there, they play fast, and I feel like I could fit in perfectly with how athletic I am and everything I bring to the table,” he explained. The Crimson Tide’s consistent communication and stylistic compatibility have them firmly in the mix.
Louisville Cardinals
Louisville’s recruiting resurgence under Pat Kelsey has caught Richardson’s attention, with the Cardinals “recruiting me hard lately.” His February visit coincided with their win over NC State, and Louisville’s momentum after landing five-star Mikel Brown Jr. has them trending as a serious contender in this high-profile recruitment.
USC Trojans
USC offers the allure of the West Coast and NBA development under Eric Musselman, who has pursued Richardson across multiple coaching stops. “Coach Musselman over there has been recruiting me since he was at Arkansas, and now that he’s at USC, he’s been hitting me up a lot lately,” Richardson revealed after his February 2025 visit to Los Angeles.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan remains firmly involved following Richardson’s November 2024 campus visit. He’s told On3, “They play together, and they play as a team. I could fit into what they do because I’m a team player.” Coach Dusty May’s frequent texts keep the Wolverines in strong contention.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati rounds out Richardson’s top suitors, with Richardson noting they’ve been texting him daily. Their longstanding interest dates back to when they recruited his brother Jase, who had them in his top eight, which keeps them in contention despite competition from bigger basketball brands.
Beyond his top six, Richardson holds offers from several other prominent programs, including Florida, Maryland, Ole Miss, Georgia, Seton Hall, and Arizona State.
Earlier reports on Jan. 22, 2025, noted Michigan, Alabama, Louisville, USC, Cincinnati, and Seton Hall as his most active recruiters, with Michigan State’s presence growing stronger following his championship run.
“It’s still early. I’m just taking my time with everything and seeing what happens after AAU,” Richardson emphasized, displaying maturity beyond his years.
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As he prepares to run with the Florida Rebels this summer, college basketball’s elite programs know that landing this defensive stalwart who recorded five blocks and two steals in just the first half of Florida’s 7A state championship could shift the power balance in college hoops come 2026.
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