The highly anticipated decision from Caleb Wilson, one of the top prospects in the class of 2025, is now just weeks away. The 6-foot-9, 195-pound forward has confirmed he will finalize his college choice “for sure” in January, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. While five programs remain in contention — Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Central Florida — the race appears to have boiled down to a fierce competition between Kentucky and North Carolina as the frontrunners.
Wilson, ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the 2025 class by the On3 Industry Ranking, is completing his high school career at Holy Innocents Episcopal School in Georgia. Known for his versatility and dynamic playstyle, Wilson is one of the most coveted recruits in the country. His size, skillset, and potential to thrive on both ends of the court make him a priority target for elite basketball programs.
Though Wilson’s public timeline has shifted slightly, with his initial goal of committing in mid-December or early January now set firmly for next month, speculation has emerged that his decision might already be made privately. Despite the rumors, nothing has been officially announced, and the excitement surrounding his final choice continues to build.
Kentucky’s Edge: A Perfect System Fit
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope and his staff have made a compelling case for Wilson to join their program. Currently, four recruiting predictions across platforms such as On3, 247Sports, and Rivals favor Kentucky. Wilson has openly expressed admiration for Kentucky’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense and the freedom it provides players to showcase their skills.
“They run and gun, shoot a lot of threes, and run the court,” Wilson told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “They have a lot of older players, so they play with a lot of experience. Coach Pope is an energetic coach, and he has a high basketball IQ.”
Wilson also highlighted how Kentucky’s system aligns perfectly with his own strengths. “Coach Pope tells me I fit his system perfectly. I think I do too. He allows his fours to push the floor and make decisions. I feel like that is something I’m really good at—pushing and passing,” he explained.
Pope has already assembled an impressive 2025 recruiting class, headlined by five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson (No. 14 overall), along with four-star center Malachi Moreno (No. 31) and four-star point guard Acaden Lewis (No. 33). Adding Wilson to the mix would solidify Kentucky’s status as a powerhouse for the 2025-26 season.
5⭐️ Caleb Wilson tells me he plans to make a commitment in January “for sure”. https://t.co/YW5dPzdtSH
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) December 24, 2024
North Carolina’s Late Push
Despite Kentucky’s perceived advantage, the North Carolina Tar Heels remain a formidable contender. Hubert Davis has a proven track record of developing NBA-ready forwards, and UNC’s historic basketball pedigree continues to attract top talent. North Carolina’s push down the stretch has narrowed the gap between the two programs, making this decision anything but a foregone conclusion.
The Final Countdown
Wilson’s impending announcement carries significant weight for both programs. For Kentucky, landing Wilson would reinforce their position as a premier destination for elite recruits, while North Carolina’s addition of the versatile forward could bolster their frontcourt for years to come. Meanwhile, schools like Tennessee, Ohio State, and UCF remain longshots but are still technically in the mix.
Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out where the rising star will play. With January just around the corner, the stage is set for one of the most important recruiting decisions of the year. Will Kentucky’s high-octane system and experienced roster win Wilson over, or will North Carolina’s tradition and developmental track record tip the scales? The answer is coming soon, and it’s sure to send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape.