NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 options for 5-star forward Caleb Wilson

One of the best available players in the NCAA Basketball recruiting class is Caleb Wilson, a consensus 5-star and top-10 overall prospect for 2025. He’s a 6’9 "forward from Atlanta, Georgia, known for his quality defense and capable inside game. Wilson’s developing offensive all-around game, combined with his natural skillset, makes him a future NBA candidate to watch.

Recently, Wilson limited his options down to five. Which of them is the best potential fit for his services? Here’s a look at each of the contenders.

Kentucky Wildcats

Coach Mark Pope has a trio of top-30 commits in the class, including guards Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis, along with big man Malachi Moreno. Most of the current frontcourt for the Wildcats are seniors, including Andrew Carr and Ansley Almonor. So, barring the team landing a big-name forward transfer, Wilson should be able to come in and have a big impact early on.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes landed a pair of former 5-star prospects in the portal last offseason (Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart), but neither have broken out yet. But with four-star forward A’mare Bynum already in the class and the team not having any seniors, Wilson wouldn’t have a guaranteed large role out the gate with this option.

North Carolina Tar Heels

UNC has a pair of top-50 guard commits in the class in Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon, but hasn’t landed a frontcourt commit yet. Power forward is a definite position of need, with Jae’lyn Withers leaving after this season and Belmont transfer Cade Tyson struggling to have an impact. Wilson would not only be guaranteed to start at center, but he’d also be a potential focal point since RJ Davis will be leaving as well.

Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee also has a senior forward starter in Igor Milicic Jr., so they’ll be on the hunt to replace him. Wilson’s defensive potential is a perfect fit for Coach Rick Barnes and his system. With JP Estrella out for the season, the Vols will need to find an impact player ready for the start of 2024-25. It’s a great fit, and since he’s in SEC country, he wouldn’t have to travel far either.

UCF Knights

Coach Johnny Dawkins has started to land top talent since the program left for the Big 12, including freshman center Moustapha Thiam. Benny Williams will be leaving after this season, but Keyshawn Hall could be around for another year as the starting forward. If that happens, Wilson may not even start here.