Toni Bryant, Five-Star Forward, Commits to Indiana Hoosiers Under Coach Darian DeVries
In a seismic shift for the 2026 college basketball recruiting landscape, five-star forward Toni Bryant has officially committed to the Indiana Hoosiers, headlining Coach Darian DeVries’ first major recruiting victory since taking the helm in Bloomington. Bryant, a 6-foot-9 athletic marvel out of Montverde Academy, signed a full-ride scholarship deal with IU earlier this week, instantly transforming the Hoosiers into a contender on the national stage.
The announcement came during a nationally televised ceremony at his high school gym, packed with family, teammates, and media. Clad in a crimson suit and flanked by his parents, Bryant pulled an Indiana cap from beneath the table, signaling his decision with a confident grin. “I believe in what Coach DeVries is building,” he said. “I want to be part of Indiana’s return to glory.”
Regarded as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports and the top-ranked power forward by ESPN, Bryant averaged 21.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks during his junior season. His blend of power, fluidity, and a high basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to NBA star Jaren Jackson Jr. College scouts rave about his mid-range jumper, shot-altering presence in the paint, and rare ability to guard all five positions.
Coach Darian DeVries, who took over Indiana’s program in 2025 after a successful stint at Drake and a strong turnaround at Creighton, has made recruiting elite talent a top priority. With Bryant’s commitment, DeVries sends a clear message that Indiana is once again a destination for blue-chip athletes.
“This is a statement piece for us,” DeVries said in a press conference following the commitment. “Toni is not only a gifted athlete—he’s a culture-setter. He works, he competes, and he wants to win. That’s the DNA we’re building this program on.”
The commitment has Hoosier Nation buzzing. Once a perennial powerhouse, Indiana has struggled to maintain relevance in recent years. Bryant’s decision not only breaks a two-year drought without a five-star signing but also injects hope into a fanbase starving for a return to championship contention.
Behind the scenes, Indiana’s NIL infrastructure played a critical role. While exact figures remain undisclosed, sources close to the program cite a competitive NIL portfolio structured around community engagement, brand sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities—elements that aligned with Bryant’s long-term vision.
The implications of Bryant’s commitment are immediate. Indiana’s 2026 recruiting class jumps into the national top five. Other top targets, including four-star guard Jaylen Hicks and international center Luka Petrovic, are rumored to be leaning heavily toward IU as well.
Toni Bryant’s commitment is more than just a win—it’s a revival. It signals that Indiana, under DeVries, is no longer chasing ghosts of the past. It is building a future—one five-star cornerstone at a time.
