Columbia Basketball Lands Highly Rated Guard Trae Nunn for 2026 (2025)

Big news in college basketball recruiting: A standout guard with brains and brawn is heading to the Ivy League! This isn't just another commitment—it's a story that blends elite athletic talent with academic excellence, and it's sure to spark debates about what really matters in landing a spot on a top team.

Hey there, hoops fans! I'm Alejandro Lopez from ZAGSBLOG, and today we're diving into an exciting announcement that has the college basketball world buzzing. Columbia University has just locked in a three-star prospect for their 2026 recruiting class—a move that's as smart as it is strategic for the Lions.

Meet Trae Nunn, the 6-foot-5 guard who's making waves. This talented player officially committed to Columbia after sharing the news on his Instagram account this past Sunday. For those new to recruiting lingo, a three-star prospect means he's rated highly by recruiting services like 247Sports or Rivals, indicating strong potential but not quite at the five-star elite level. It's a solid pick that could elevate Columbia's game in the competitive Ivy League.

But here's where it gets interesting: Nunn isn't just about flashy stats on the court. He honed his skills playing high school basketball for Overtime Elite, a prestigious program known for developing top-tier athletes through intense training and exposure. He also competed in Puma's PRO16 circuit, where he showcased his abilities by averaging an impressive 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. For beginners following along, think of the PRO16 like a high-level league that gives young players a chance to perform against tough competition, much like a minor league for future NBA stars. These numbers highlight Nunn's scoring prowess, rebounding strength, and defensive instincts—qualities that could make him a versatile asset for Columbia.

And this is the part most people miss, especially in the Ivy League, where academics are just as big a deal as athletics. Nunn brings an extraordinary academic pedigree to the table: a staggering 5.68 GPA. To put that in perspective, a 5.68 GPA often comes from taking advanced courses like AP or honors classes that are weighted higher than standard ones, pushing grades beyond the usual 4.0 scale. It's a rare feat that sets him apart, proving he's not only a basketball phenom but also a student-athlete who excels in the classroom. This kind of balance is crucial in the Ivy League, where schools like Columbia emphasize holistic development—helping players like Nunn prepare for life after hoops, whether that's in business, law, or beyond.

Nunn is poised to step into a key role for the Lions, contributing to their Ivy League battles. For those unfamiliar, the Ivy League is a conference of eight elite Northeastern schools (think Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia), where basketball is fiercely competitive, but the focus on education can sometimes limit playing time or recruiting hype compared to power conferences like the ACC or SEC.

But here's the controversy that's worth debating: Does a high GPA like Nunn's guarantee fair playing time in the Ivy League, or do athletic directors still prioritize wins over academics? Some fans argue that schools like Columbia should lean harder into smart recruits to redefine what 'student-athlete' means, while others worry that academic stars might get sidelined if they don't immediately boost the scoreboard. What do you think—should Ivy League teams prioritize brainpower alongside brawn, or is that just wishful thinking in the cutthroat world of college sports?