Braylen Nash - Driven by Purpose

Braylen Nash’s journey to Ohio State’s basketball program wasn’t a straight path, but for the New Albany High School standout, his faith in God provided direction every step of the way. As he prepares to suit up for the Buckeyes, Nash’s story is defined by his trust in God’s plan and his desire to be a role model on and off the court.

Nash made a name for himself at New Albany High School, where he averaged 17 points and three rebounds per game as a senior. His leadership helped propel the team to a 20-5 record, claiming the school’s first league championship in eight years. Not only was he named OCC-Ohio Player of the Year, but he also earned first-team all-district honors and an honorable mention all-state nod. Along the way, Nash scored over 1,000 career points, becoming just the second player in the school’s history to achieve that.

For Nash, basketball was only part of the story. Faith was the foundation that carried him through, guiding him to success and helping him navigate the ups and downs of competition.

“Faith has been and will continue to be the largest part of my basketball career because it’s my foundation in Christ that I rely on every single day,” Nash explains. “Having the trust and confidence that God loves me no matter how well I perform or what people are saying has carried me through my career. Faith is the reason I’m at Ohio State because this time last year I had no clue what school or what sport I’d be playing in college.”

Despite his success on the court and his ability to excel as both a wide receiver and quarterback on the football field, Braylen faced uncertainty about what his future would hold. But it was during this challenging time that his faith grew even stronger.

“My mom, dad, and grandmothers’ faith while I was young guided me,” Nash shares. “Their faith also helped me a ton when I was going through the process of finding a school. I was always Christian, but during high school, my senior football season was tough on me mentally, and that led me to a lot stronger relationship with God. Building my prayer life, getting into the Bible, and sharing with others my connection with Christ really changed my perspective on life. Building that strong foundation, I believe, led me to a great senior year on the basketball court and a lot better spot mentally.”

Through prayer, reflection, and dedication to his relationship with Christ, Nash found peace and purpose. When it came time to decide on his next steps after high school, faith played a pivotal role in his decision. Nash’s parents both met and graduated from Ohio State, which played a big role in his decision to attend the university. Meeting with the coaching staff at Ohio State, Nash felt an immediate connection.

“When meeting with Coach Diebler here at OSU for the first time, I was able to share my faith, and I believe we had a great connection in our relationship with Jesus Christ,” Nash recalls. “Keeping that trust and faith in God led me here to OSU, and it’s why my basketball career is still going on.”

As Nash steps into his role at Ohio State, he’s driven not just by his athletic abilities but by his desire to lead others toward faith and a deeper relationship with Christ. He sees his position as a collegiate athlete as an opportunity to influence others positively and help them discover the transformative power of faith.

“I want to be able to be an example to others that faith and a relationship with Christ can change your life,” Nash explains. “Also to lead them to give their life to God and see what amazing things He can do in their life.”

With this sense of purpose, Nash is more than just a basketball player. He is a leader, a role model, and a young man determined to make a difference. His experiences have shaped him, and he’s committed to using his platform to inspire others, just as his faith has inspired him.

As Nash continues his basketball career at Ohio State, he does so with the same trust and confidence that have carried him this far. Whether on the court or off, Nash is focused on making an impact and leading others by example, trusting in the plan God has for him.