
Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Atlanta’s Holy Innocents Episcopal School, stands as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 basketball recruiting class.
Ranked No. 5 nationally by the 247Sports Composite, Wilson’s exceptional versatility and athleticism have drawn significant attention from premier college basketball programs, notably the Kentucky Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has been proactive in its pursuit of Wilson. The Wildcats extended a scholarship offer in June 2023, and Wilson attended Big Blue Madness in October 2023. His official visit to Kentucky in September 2024, which included attending a Wildcats football game against Georgia and observing a basketball practice, further solidified the mutual interest. Additionally, Wilson was present at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena to witness Kentucky’s victory over Duke in the Champions Classic, indicating a sustained engagement with the program.
Kentucky’s recruiting efforts have been bolstered by commitments from top-tier talents such as guards Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis, as well as center Malachi Moreno. Notably, Lewis, a close friend of Wilson, has been actively encouraging him to join the Wildcats, suggesting a potential synergy that could influence Wilson’s decision. Furthermore, Kentucky’s robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offerings are reportedly among the most competitive, potentially providing an additional incentive for Wilson to commit.
Conversely, the North Carolina Tar Heels, led by head coach Hubert Davis, have intensified their recruitment of Wilson. Wilson has expressed admiration for UNC’s culture and fanbase, and he has undertaken multiple visits to Chapel Hill, including an official visit in September 2024 and an unofficial visit in early October. These visits have reportedly strengthened the Tar Heels’ position in Wilson’s recruitment, with some analysts suggesting that North Carolina may have gained momentum in recent weeks.
Recruiting experts have noted a dynamic and closely contested battle between these two storied programs. In October 2024, Rivals.com highlighted the competition between Kentucky and North Carolina for Wilson’s commitment, emphasizing the strategic efforts by both coaching staffs to secure his talents. As of January 2025, reports indicate that North Carolina may have overtaken Kentucky as the frontrunner, with On3’s Jamie Shaw suggesting a potential prediction in favor of the Tar Heels based on recent intelligence.
Wilson’s impending decision, expected by the end of January 2025, carries significant implications for both programs. For Kentucky, securing Wilson would represent the first top-five recruit under Coach Pope’s tenure, further elevating an already impressive 2025 recruiting class. Conversely, a commitment to North Carolina would bolster the Tar Heels’ roster with a versatile forward capable of making an immediate impact. The outcome of this recruitment remains highly anticipated, with both fanbases eagerly awaiting Wilson’s announcement.
In summary, Caleb Wilson’s recruitment epitomizes the high-stakes nature of college basketball recruiting, with Kentucky and North Carolina each presenting compelling cases. As the decision date approaches, the basketball community keenly observes which program will secure the commitment of this elite prospect, whose future contributions are poised to significantly influence the collegiate basketball landscape.