In a stunning turn of events on the college basketball recruiting trail, five-star guard Jaylen Carter has officially decommitted from the Texas Longhorns and announced his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats, sending shockwaves through the NCAA basketball world. The elite 2025 prospect made the announcement via a video posted to social media early Saturday morning, choosing Kentucky over strong pushes from both Tennessee and Georgia.
Carter, a 6-foot-5 combo guard out of Atlanta, Georgia, is ranked as one of the top 10 players in the country by most recruiting services and was considered the crown jewel of Texas’ 2025 recruiting class. His decommitment comes just weeks after rumors began circulating about a possible change of heart following an unofficial visit to Lexington.
“This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Carter said in his announcement. “I have nothing but respect for Coach Terry and the Texas program, but after taking another look at my future and talking things over with my family and coaches, I feel like Kentucky is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a man.”
Carter’s decision comes as a major win for new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who has been on a recruiting tear since taking over the Wildcats program. Securing a commitment from Carter not only adds elite scoring and playmaking to the Wildcats’ future backcourt but also serves as a strong statement to the rest of the college basketball world that Kentucky remains a premier destination for top-tier talent.
“Jaylen is the kind of player who can change a game on both ends of the floor,” said Pope in a statement following the commitment. “He has the poise, athleticism, and IQ to come in and make an immediate impact, and we’re thrilled to have him as a part of Big Blue Nation.”
The news is a significant blow to Texas, which had banked on Carter as a centerpiece in its upcoming class. The Longhorns now face the challenge of scrambling to fill a void left by his unexpected departure, with limited options remaining in the upper tier of 2025 prospects.
Meanwhile, both Tennessee and Georgia were believed to be serious contenders in Carter’s recruitment during the final days, with insiders reporting that Georgia made a strong last-minute push. However, Kentucky’s tradition, recent coaching momentum, and a clear path to early playing time ultimately sealed the deal.
Carter’s flip is expected to have ripple effects throughout the college basketball recruiting landscape, possibly influencing other top prospects to take a second look at Kentucky. As the Wildcats look to return to national championship contention, landing a game-changing player like Carter might just be the spark they need.
