It’s an exciting week for college basketball fans, particularly those in the Bluegrass State, as five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson is set to reveal his college decision this Thursday, September 5th. The highly anticipated announcement will take place at Woodford County High School in Versailles, KY, with the ceremony beginning at 2:15 p.m. EST. The event is open to the public, drawing attention from fans and recruiters alike.
Johnson, who ranks as the No. 11 overall prospect in the class of 2025 according to the On3 Industry Ranking, has narrowed his choices down to five schools: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, and North Carolina. However, the decision has largely boiled down to a three-way race between Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
The recruitment process for Johnson has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Kentucky, in particular, has had a tumultuous journey. After Mark Pope replaced John Calipari as head coach in the spring, the Wildcats had to quickly re-establish their relationship with Johnson. Despite starting from behind, Pope and his staff made significant progress by appealing to Johnson’s local roots and the legacy of playing for Kentucky. Meanwhile, Alabama has been in the mix for the longest, having extended Johnson his first Power 5 offer, and North Carolina has the advantage of being his childhood favorite.
Over the past few months, each of these three schools has been perceived as the frontrunner at different times. The landscape of favorites shifted frequently throughout August, with speculation swirling about last-minute NIL deals potentially influencing the decision. Despite the ups and downs, Kentucky heads into this final stretch with a strong chance of securing Johnson’s commitment. Between On3, 247Sports, and Rivals, a total of eight predictions have been made in favor of Johnson choosing the Wildcats.
Reading between the lines, there are several indicators that suggest Kentucky may have the edge. The announcement will take place at Woodford County High School, where Johnson attended before moving on to Link Academy in Missouri and later Overtime Elite in Georgia. A Lexington native, Johnson has deep ties to the University of Kentucky. His father and uncle both played for the Wildcats, and his late grandfather is considered a local legend. Even his mother hails from a family with strong UK connections. For Johnson, wearing Kentucky’s blue and white isn’t just a choice—it’s a family tradition.
Coach Mark Pope has made it clear how much he values Johnson, not just as a local talent, but as one of the best guards in the country. “Coach Pope is always pitching to me that he wants to hang a banner, so coming in and making a big impact from day one,” Johnson told KSR in July. “He’s telling me he wants me to come in and have a big role on their team. Hearing that is good.”
Pope’s strategy is twofold: he’s emphasizing Johnson’s potential to contribute immediately while also highlighting the significance of staying close to home. “I feel like Coach Pope has been really pushing to me that I really am one of the best guards in the country, if not the best,” Johnson added. “Me being from there, it gives me a plus. He’s really pitching both sides—he wants me to stay home, but he’s also prioritizing me because I’m one of the best players in the country.”
Kentucky has already secured one in-state recruit this offseason, four-star center Malachi Moreno from Great Crossing in Georgetown, KY. Moreno, who committed last month, has also been encouraging Johnson to stay home with a simple message: “It’s like they say, there is no better place than home.”
This Thursday, we’ll find out if Johnson agrees. Securing his commitment would be a major statement for Mark Pope in his first offseason as Kentucky’s head coach, potentially setting the tone for future recruiting success. As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Woodford County High School, waiting to see where Jasper Johnson will take his talents next.
