Five-star forward Caleb Wilson — the No. 5 player in the 2025 class, per the 247Sports composite — has committed to North Carolina, he announced Thursday.

Wilson chose the Tar Heels over fellow finalists Kentucky and Ohio State.

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward instantly becomes not only North Carolina’s top-ranked commit in the class but one of its highest-rated signees of the rankings era. UNC’s two other commits in the 2025 class are four-star guards Derek Dixon (No. 47) and Isaiah Dennis (No. 54).

Moreover, Wilson gives coach Hubert Davis — whose team fell to 12-8 after Tuesday’s loss at Wake Forest — a legitimate building block ahead of what is expected to be an uncertain offseason. UNC will lose star guard RJ Davis, whose eligibility is set to expire, and could see fellow perimeter players Elliot Cadeau, Ian Jackson and Drake Powell also leave for the NBA Draft.

Wilson’s commitment means that Davis has now signed at least one five-star prospect in each of the last three recruiting cycles: first Cadeau (No. 11 in 2023), then Jackson (No. 8 in 2024) and Powell (No. 11 in 2024).

Wilson stands out from the other three because positionally, he theoretically fills the all-important stretch-four role upon which Davis’ offense is predicated. During Davis’ debut season, once he unlocked Brady Manek as a sharpshooting power forward, the Tar Heels took off and made it to the national championship game.

This season, however, Powell — who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds — has been miscast in that role because UNC lacks other options. Wilson isn’t a perfect fit stylistically — he’s still relatively inconsistent as a shooter, despite his touch around the rim — but defensively and size-wise, he’s a much more natural fit for that role than anyone UNC currently has on its roster. That alone is valuable because it allows Davis and his staff to focus on other needs in the transfer portal this spring.

What should fans expect from Wilson?

He’s probably best suited in a complementary role as a freshman, not unlike the role he played alongside Cameron and Cayden Boozer on the EYBL circuit this summer. Wilson averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game next to the Boozers, but during Peach Jam — which their team, Nightrydas Elite, ultimately won — he upped his averages to 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

More than anything, he looked much more comfortable as a secondary star than as a singular alpha, which is how he should expect to be used at UNC. Skill-wise, Wilson is best around the basket, be it as an offensive rebounder, driver or cutter. And defensively, he has the length and athleticism to be a plus rebounder.

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