Ohio State Finalizes 2025-26 Roster with International Addition of Serbian Guard Mathieu Grujicic
Ohio State has added the finishing touch to its 2025-26 basketball roster by securing a commitment from international prospect Mathieu Grujicic. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard, born in Serbia, spent most of his upbringing in Germany after moving there at age five.
Grujicic most recently played for FC Barcelona’s U18 team—one of the premier youth programs in Europe—where he averaged 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He turned 18 on Monday, making him the age of a typical college freshman, though he brings a wealth of high-level experience few peers can match.
Earlier this year, Grujicic was named an All-Star at the 2025 NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, impressing scouts with his playmaking ability, outside shooting, and defensive instincts during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Ohio State’s staff views Grujicic as a player who can make an immediate impact despite the expected adjustment period to college basketball. He’s expected to see time at both guard positions and possibly the wing, backing up Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr., while competing with Taison Chatman and Gabe Cupps for key reserve minutes. With both Chatman and Cupps recovering from significant injuries last season, Grujicic also gives the Buckeyes valuable depth and insurance in the backcourt.
The skilled combo guard chose the college route despite professional interest, drawing offers from schools in the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. Programs like Louisville and Kansas State were reportedly in pursuit before he ultimately chose Ohio State.
Grujicic, who is fluent in four languages—Spanish, English, German, and French—has a multinational background. His mother is French and works for the French embassy in Germany, while his father is Serbian. Though he currently plays in Spain, his cultural and basketball experiences span across much of Europe.
It’s not yet clear if Grujicic will arrive in Columbus with the rest of the team next month or join later, similar to how Ivan Njegovan integrated into the program last season. Either way, his addition marks the final piece to the Buckeyes’ 2025-26 puzzle.
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