Miikka Muurinen, a top-10 recruit in the 2026 class, will take an official visit to Texas Tech next weekend following his love and comditions for commitment

The 2026 basketball recruiting cycle is starting to take shape, and one of its most sought-after prospects is beginning to explore his options in earnest. Miikka Muurinen, a 6-foot-9 forward from Finland who has rapidly climbed the national rankings, is slated to take an official visit to Texas Tech next weekend, per multiple sources close to the program. For Red Raiders fans and staff, it’s an exciting development that signals the program’s growing reach on the international recruiting stage — and a chance to secure a cornerstone talent for the future.

Who Is Miikka Muurinen?

Muurinen isn’t just any international prospect. Widely regarded as a top-10 recruit in the 2026 class, Muurinen has been making waves in both FIBA competition and high-level prep basketball since arriving in the United States to play at Western Reserve Academy (OH). A native of Helsinki, Finland, Muurinen boasts a unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has drawn comparisons to NBA players like Lauri Markkanen, another Finnish standout who also took the college route before breaking out in the league.

At 6-foot-9, Muurinen has the versatility to play either forward spot and is capable of stretching the floor with his shooting touch, handling the ball in transition, and defending multiple positions. Scouts rave about his feel for the game, smooth shooting stroke, and ability to process the action at both ends of the floor. In short: he’s the kind of modern forward that blueblood programs covet — and Texas Tech is in the thick of his recruitment.

Texas Tech’s Rising Momentum

Under new head coach Grant McCasland, Texas Tech has doubled down on building a sustainable, competitive program that blends hard-nosed defense with modern offensive concepts. McCasland and his staff have emphasized recruiting not only in-state talent but also evaluating national and international players who fit the Red Raiders’ culture and system.

Muurinen fits that mold perfectly. His combination of physical tools and basketball intelligence align with what Texas Tech has historically valued — players who can make an impact on both ends of the court. While the Red Raiders have recruited international players in the past, landing someone of Muurinen’s stature would be a massive statement about the program’s evolving brand and appeal.

The official visit scheduled for next weekend will be critical. McCasland and his staff are expected to roll out the red carpet, giving Muurinen and his family an inside look at the Red Raiders’ facilities, player development infrastructure, and gameday environment in Lubbock.

A Heated Recruiting Battle

Texas Tech isn’t alone in its pursuit of Muurinen. Programs like Duke, Gonzaga, Baylor, Alabama, and Michigan Stateare also heavily involved, each offering a unique pathway for the Finnish phenom. Some schools are selling tradition and NBA pipelines, while others — like Texas Tech — are emphasizing immediate opportunity, strong developmental track records, and an environment where Muurinen can flourish on and off the court.

Gonzaga, for instance, has long been a powerhouse in recruiting and developing international talent. Alabama and Baylor offer SEC and Big 12 power status with proven recent success, while Duke has already hosted Muurinen on an unofficial visit earlier this year. Yet, sources close to Muurinen say he’s intrigued by Texas Tech’s pitch — especially the chance to be a focal point in the 2026 class and potentially spearhead a new era in Red Raider basketball.

What’s at Stake for Texas Tech?

Landing Miikka Muurinen would be a significant recruiting victory and a possible turning point for McCasland’s tenure in Lubbock. Not only would it give Texas Tech a headliner for its 2026 class, but it would also show the broader college basketball community that the Red Raiders can go toe-to-toe with elite national programs for elite talent.

Furthermore, Muurinen’s presence could create a domino effect. Top recruits are increasingly paying attention to where their peers are committing. If Muurinen commits to Texas Tech, it could open the door for other top 2026 prospects — both domestic and international — to view the Red Raiders as a viable and attractive destination.

Building Toward the Future

The visit itself will be a carefully orchestrated effort by the Texas Tech staff. Muurinen will likely be taken through the program’s academic offerings, athletic training and nutrition centers, NIL opportunities, and sit-downs with McCasland and the coaching staff to discuss his role and fit in the system. He will also have the chance to bond with current players and get a sense of the team culture.

It’s also worth noting that Muurinen’s family is heavily involved in his recruitment, and their comfort level with a program’s ability to support Miikka both as a student-athlete and as a person will be crucial in the final decision.

What’s Next?

After his Texas Tech visit, Muurinen is expected to take additional official visits later this spring and summer before potentially making a decision during the fall or winter of his junior year. Given his stature as a top-10 national prospect, the spotlight will only intensify as he narrows down his list.

But for now, the attention shifts to Lubbock. If the Red Raiders can make a lasting impression on one of Europe’s brightest young stars, the 2026 class could be the one that helps elevate Texas Tech to new national heights.