Four-star shooting guard RJ Moore is moving closer to a college decision.
Moore has narrowed his recruitment to Alabama, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Utah, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest, according to Rivals’ Joe Tipton. The 6-foot-7 prospect from Ambassador Christian School in North Carolina is ranked No. 40 overall and No. 8 among shooting guards in the 2027 class by the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Although an initial report described Moore as being down to seven schools, only six finalists were identified.
The trimmed list brought disappointment for several programs that had offered Moore, including Mississippi State, Georgia and Florida State. Virginia, Syracuse, Charlotte and Washington were also among the schools eliminated from consideration.
Alabama, Rutgers and Vanderbilt get the first opportunities
Three finalists have already secured official visits.
Moore will visit Rutgers on Sept. 5 before traveling to Vanderbilt on Sept. 12. Alabama will host him two weeks later on Sept. 25.
Those scheduled trips could give the three programs an early advantage, but the contrasting options make Moore’s recruitment especially interesting.
Alabama can sell Moore on an explosive offensive system and a proven path to the NBA. Rutgers has become increasingly aggressive on the recruiting trail and could present a clearer opportunity for immediate playing time. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, can pitch SEC competition and a significant role within its long-term roster plan.
Texas Tech, Utah and Wake Forest remain firmly involved despite not yet having reported visit dates.
Moore has made it clear that his choice will not be based exclusively on financial considerations.
“I want to go to a school where I am going to play at, for sure,” Moore previously told Rivals. “It is not going to be all about the money; I’m trying to play and be able to fit into their system.”
That approach should force every finalist to explain exactly how Moore would be used and where he fits within its projected 2027-28 rotation.
RJ Moore brings size and elite shooting potential
Moore describes himself as a three-level scorer capable of playing any position on the perimeter. He has continued improving his strength and ability to attack the basket, but his shooting remains the skill separating him from many players in the class.
Rivals national recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw praised Moore’s pure stroke, off-ball movement and balance. Moore has also cited Klay Thompson as a player he studies because of Thompson’s ability to find openings, maintain his balance and convert shots quickly.
At 6-foot-7, Moore possesses the length to shoot over smaller guards and provide positional versatility. His ability to operate without dominating the ball could make him a natural fit alongside a high-usage point guard.
His recruitment is now entering a critical stage. Six programs remain, but Rutgers, Vanderbilt and Alabama will receive the first chances to show Moore that their systems, coaching staffs and available opportunities match what he values most.
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