​Guard MJ Collins, who averaged 17.5 points per game for Utah State in the 2025-26 season, announced his commitment to the University of Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball program via Instagram after a Hamilton County judge ruled on July 9 that Collins and dozens of other Division I athletes can gain an extra year of eligibility. The ruling, which grants ACC, Big Ten, and several other conference players the opportunity to extend their college careers, sets the stage for Collins to pursue another year of college basketball at UC.
Collins, along with Kolby King, both spent the 2025-26 season with UC’s new head coach Jerrod Calhoun at Utah State. The two players had previously connected with Calhoun during their time at Utah State and decided to follow the coach to Cincinnati when the eligibility ruling opened the door for an additional season of competition. The move marks a notable shift in the college basketball landscape as programs pivot to leverage the new rule that allows athletes to extend their collegiate playing tenure.
Before their time at Utah State, Collins built a diverse college career. He spent two seasons at Virginia Tech, followed by a season at Vanderbilt, then joined Utah State for the 2024-25 campaign and continued with the Aggies into the 2025-26 season. Collins, who has emerged as a skilled guard, showcased his scoring ability and playmaking instincts throughout his collegiate journey. His performance at Utah State, highlighted by his 17.5 points per game average during the 2025-26 season, helped raise his profile ahead of his decision to transfer to Cincinnati.
Kolby King’s path mirrors a similarly versatile background. King played one season at St. John’s, one season at Tulane, one season at Butler, and then completed his college career at Utah State. Like Collins, he was drawn to Cincinnati by the opportunity to continue playing at a high level under Calhoun, especially in light of the new eligibility rule that could allow him an additional year of college competition. The collaboration between Collins, King, and Calhoun appears to be a strategic alignment, leveraging the newly extended eligibility window to help UC bolster its roster for upcoming seasons.
Public reports and court filings in recent weeks indicated that Collins and King had expressed an interest in joining Cincinnati, contingent on their eligibility status. The court ruling effectively makes their plan feasible, providing a clear pathway for them to contribute to the Bearcats’ roster in the near term. Their social media and public statements during the process underscored a shared intent to pursue opportunities at UC if the judiciary permitted an extra year of play.
This development comes as Cincinnati continues to shape its men’s basketball program under Calhoun, who is rebuilding the roster with a focus on experienced players who can adapt quickly to his system. The addition of Collins, a proven scorer with the ability to stretch defenses, could help UC address offensive needs and provide leadership on the floor. King’s long-range shooting and versatility could complement Collins, giving Cincinnati a dynamic backcourt pairing as they compete against strong competition in their conference and beyond.
As the situation evolves, supporters and analysts will be watching how the extended eligibility rule impacts team-building strategies across college basketball. For Collins and King, Cincinnati represents an opportunity to showcase their talents at the next level while leveraging the rare chance to extend their collegiate careers. The Bearcats’ fan base will be eager to see how these players fit into Calhoun’s system and contribute to the team’s success in what could be a pivotal era for UC basketball.
This report originates from Cincinnati Enquirer coverage focusing on the recent eligibility ruling and its impact on former Utah State stars pursuing opportunities with the Bearcats. The article highlights the implications of the court’s decision for players seeking to maximize their college playing years and how UC is positioned to benefit from this new landscape.