In a significant victory on the recruiting trail, **Gonzaga** has landed a commitment from **Christian Collins**, a five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after young players in the 2025 class. The 6-foot-7 wing out of Southern California announced his decision on social media Tuesday evening, picking Mark Few’s Bulldogs over powerhouse programs like **Kentucky**, **Kansas**, and **UCLA**.
Collins, who plays for nationally ranked Sierra Canyon High School, is widely regarded as a top-10 player in the 2025 cycle. Known for his elite athleticism, smooth shooting stroke, and two-way potential, Collins has drawn comparisons to current NBA wings for his versatility and poise. His commitment marks one of Gonzaga’s biggest recruiting wins in recent memory and signals that the Bulldogs remain a major national force even as college basketball’s recruiting landscape continues to shift.
“I chose Gonzaga because of the family atmosphere, the player development, and the winning culture,” Collins said in a statement. “Coach Few and the staff have been with me from day one. They believe in me and I believe in their program.”
The battle for Collins had intensified in recent months, with Kentucky head coach **Mark Pope** making a strong push to bring him to Lexington. The Wildcats had prioritized Collins after hosting him for an official visit in April, and many believed UK was in the driver’s seat. However, Gonzaga’s consistent message, player-first system, and proven track record with wings and guards helped sway Collins toward Spokane.
From a scouting standpoint, Collins is a dynamic scorer with a quick first step, elite leaping ability, and a confident jumper from beyond the arc. He can guard multiple positions and thrives in transition, making him an ideal fit for Gonzaga’s uptempo offense. His high basketball IQ and unselfish approach also stand out, making him a seamless fit in a team-oriented system.
For Gonzaga, Collins’ commitment bolsters an already promising 2025 recruiting class and reinforces the Bulldogs’ ability to compete with bluebloods like Kentucky and Duke for top-tier talent. It also sends a message that despite changes in college basketball — including the emergence of NIL and transfer portal chaos — Gonzaga remains a program where elite players can thrive, develop, and contend for championships.
Meanwhile, Kentucky will now shift its attention to other top targets in the class, including wings **Meek Dandridge** and **Braylon Mullins**, as Mark Pope looks to build his first full recruiting class in Lexington. Losing Collins is a tough blow, but the Wildcats remain in strong position with several other high-profile prospects.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Spokane. With Christian Collins committed, Gonzaga just added a future star — and perhaps the face of its next Final Four run.