Jasper Johnson, a five-star guard in the 2025 class, is expected to announce his college commitment soon, with Kentucky emerging as the strong favorite. Head coach Mark Pope has made Johnson his top recruiting priority, and the player’s recent unofficial visit to Kentucky in August has further strengthened the Wildcats’ position. Johnson, a Kentucky native, is set to announce his decision at Woodford County High School, just 14 miles from the University of Kentucky, fueling speculation about his likely choice. Other contenders include Alabama, but Kentucky seems to have the edge [[❞]](https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/rivals/news/ranking-the-contenders-five-star-jasper-johnson).
Mark Pope, who recently took over as head coach, has focused heavily on securing Johnson, given his talent and proximity to the program. Johnson’s recruitment has been closely watched, and his ties to Kentucky basketball, as well as his strong relationship with Pope, have placed Kentucky in the lead for his signature. While schools like Alabama were hopeful earlier in the process, their chances have dimmed as Johnson’s connection to Kentucky deepened.
Johnson is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, known for his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability. His potential commitment to Kentucky would be a significant win for Pope as he looks to build a strong recruiting foundation for the Wildcats. Johnson would fit seamlessly into Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition, adding firepower and versatility to their backcourt. All signs point to Johnson choosing the Wildcats, but the official announcement is expected shortly [[❞]](https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/rivals/news/ranking-the-contenders-five-star-jasper-johnson).
