The recruitment spotlight continues to heat up as 2026 five-star forward Miikka Muurinen has officially trimmed down his list of potential college destinations and it’s full of powerhouse programs.
On Friday, Muurinen revealed his top seven schools, sending a strong signal about where he sees himself thriving at the next level. The final contenders? Indiana, Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina, and North Carolina State.
Hailing from Finland, Muurinen has made a name for himself on the American prep circuit after moving to the U.S. and enrolling at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona — a school known for producing elite basketball talent. The 6-foot-9 forward has consistently turned heads with his versatile skill set, smooth shooting touch, and high basketball IQ. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions makes him a unique asset in today’s game.
Indiana basketball fans will be especially encouraged by this development. The Hoosiers extended an offer to Muurinen just last week under new head coach Darian DeVries, who has wasted no time making his presence felt on the recruiting trail. Interestingly, Indiana had previously offered Muurinen under former head coach Mike Woodson’s staff during the previous recruiting cycle — signaling consistent interest from the program, regardless of leadership changes.
DeVries and his staff are clearly prioritizing top-tier talent with international experience, and Muurinen fits that mold perfectly. While Indiana might not have the same recent blue-blood reputation as some of the other programs on Muurinen’s list, their renewed energy and strategic recruiting could make Bloomington a serious contender.
Muurinen’s rise has not gone unnoticed by national scouts either. He’s drawn comparisons to modern NBA forwards for his blend of size, fluidity, and shooting mechanics. His international background brings a level of polish and maturity to his game, and coaches appreciate his willingness to learn and adapt.
With official visits expected to ramp up in the coming months, fans can anticipate a high-profile recruitment journey ahead. Each of the schools in Muurinen’s top seven offers something unique: Duke and North Carolina bring historic prestige, Kentucky boasts NBA development, and Indiana offers a fresh start with a passionate fanbase and an ambitious new coach.
For now, the race for Miikka Muurinen is wide open but just making his shortlist is a win for Indiana and a sign that the Hoosiers are staying competitive in the ever-evolving college basketball landscape.S
tay tuned. This is just the beginning of one of the most intriguing recruitments of the 2026 class.
