In a major boost to North Carolina’s basketball future, Caleb Wilson, the No. 1 ranked forward in the 2025 recruiting class, has officially committed to the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-9 phenom out of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta announced his decision after months of speculation and heavy recruitment from multiple national powerhouses, most notably Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio State.
Wilson’s commitment is not just another five-star pickup—it’s a program-defining moment for UNC and head coach Hubert Davis, who has been seeking to re-establish the Tar Heels as a dominant force in both recruiting and on the court since taking over for Roy Williams in 2021.
A Statement for North Carolina
Wilson’s decision to join UNC signals a major recruiting win. Not only did the Tar Heels land arguably the most versatile player in the 2025 class, but they also beat out high-profile SEC programs, particularly Tennessee and Georgia, who were considered strong contenders.
“It was everything I was looking for in a program,” Wilson said after committing. “North Carolina was my first blue-blood offer, and I had a great visit during the Duke game. The energy, the coaching staff, the culture—everything just felt right.”
Wilson’s commitment speaks volumes about the appeal of UNC’s basketball tradition, its development pipeline, and the vision Coach Davis is building. Despite the rise of NIL-driven recruiting and the allure of powerhouse SEC programs like Tennessee, the Tar Heels were able to win Wilson over with a mix of history, opportunity, and personal connection.
What Wilson Brings to Chapel Hill
Caleb Wilson is widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the 2025 class. Standing 6’9″ with a wingspan just over seven feet, he is an elite defender with the ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and rebound in traffic. Offensively, he shines in transition and in the high post, and his passing ability sets him apart from most big men his age.
Analysts have compared his skillset to a blend of Bam Adebayo and Jaren Jackson Jr., with the potential to stretch the floor if he continues developing his outside shot.
For UNC, Wilson is exactly the kind of dynamic frontcourt presence they’ve lacked in recent years. He’s expected to make an immediate impact and could be a one-and-done NBA Draft prospect if his development continues on its current trajectory.
Tennessee and Georgia Left Wanting
Tennessee had built strong momentum on the recruiting trail, recently landing top-10 prospect Nate Ament, and hoped Wilson would follow suit. Georgia, meanwhile, was banking on proximity and program familiarity to keep the Atlanta native in-state. But in the end, both fell short as Wilson gravitated toward UNC’s national platform and proven NBA pipeline.
A New Era for the Tar Heels?
With Caleb Wilson now the centerpiece of UNC’s 2025 class, the Tar Heels look poised to reassert themselves on the national stage. His commitment not only bolsters their frontcourt but also sends a clear message to future recruits: North Carolina is still a destination for elite talent.
