Jerrod Calhoun, who was announced as the Cincinnati Head Coach just a little under two months ago, on March 24th, could not have gotten off to a better start to his time in Cincinnati. Calhoun didn't inherit a single player from Wes Miller's 2025-26 roster; every player transferred away or graduated. Calhoun has brought in 12 transfers, along with gaining his first commitment from a high-school prospect. Calhoun made it known since his introductory press conference that Cincinnati is the best school in Ohio, and local prospects should play in Cincinnati. Calhoun did just that, getting a 5-star recruit Kameron Mercer from Princeton High School to commit to the Bearcats Thursday afternoon on Sportscenter. Mercer chose the Bearcats over Xavier, Louisville, Ohio State, and Maryland. Mercer will also be reclassifying to 2027 from 2028, making him a freshman during the 2027-28 season. Mercer becomes the highest-rated Bearcats commit since Lance Stephenson in 2009.
The Cincinnati Bearcats have the No. 21-ranked transfer portal class in the country, with a rating of 24.27. They are the No. 4-ranked team in the Big 12 behind Arizona State, Houston, and West Virginia. The Bearcats' transfer portal class is highlighted by Tylen Riley, Myles Colvin, Adlan Elamin, and Riley Allenspach, all four players rated at least a .9100. All players seem to fit Calhoun's offensive style well, quick guards who aren't necessarily ball-dominant. All of the wings and forwards on Cincinnati's roster are young, athletic, and have high ceilings. Elamin, Eric Mahaffey, and Tyler Tejada are all very exciting players for next season.
Princeton boys basketball coach Bryan Wyant discussing UC coach Jerrod Calhoun's recruiting efforts of Princeton five-star player Kam Mercer. @WCPO @coachwyant @kameron_mercer @GoBEARCATS pic.twitter.com/WMOi6rnZXo
— Mike Dyer (@MikeDyer) May 21, 2026
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