The recruitment saga of five-star Class of 2026 prospect Tajh Ariza is heating up, with the talented 6-9 small forward nearing the finish line in his decision-making process. As the son of 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza, expectations are high for the young player’s future in basketball. Ariza’s recruitment has been closely watched, especially after he canceled his scheduled visit to North Carolina on September 8. This move essentially ruled out the Tar Heels from the mix, aligning with earlier speculations that West Coast programs were leading the pack in this recruiting battle.
According to Joe Tipton of Rivals, Ariza is now down to two finalists: USC and Oregon. Both programs have been expected to be strong contenders, and it seems Ariza has officially eliminated non-West Coast squads from his list of potential suitors. The final decision is anticipated to be made within the next few weeks.
Ariza’s recruitment process has been impressive, with the young star receiving offers from top programs like Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, Washington, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Florida. He’s ranked No. 14 overall in the 2026 class and No. 6 small forward, according to Rivals’ Top-150 Player Rankings. The 6-foot-9 small forward has completed official visits to both USC and Oregon, and insiders believe he’s looking for a program that will hold him accountable and help him develop his skills. Ariza has expressed interest in playing for a coach who shares his vision for success and can push him to be his best.
What Ariza Brings to the Court
Ariza is a fluid athlete with exceptional length and physical tools, making him a versatile player who can dominate on both ends of the court. He’s an all-around player with a high basketball IQ, understanding spacing, and ability to make plays for teammates. Scouts praise his potential, noting that he reminds them of the new wave of forwards who can do a little bit of everything – score, defend, facilitate.
With his decision nearing, Ariza’s recruitment saga is a testament to his talent and the competitive nature of college basketball recruiting. Will he choose USC or Oregon? Only time will tell.
