Top 5 colleges in the race to land No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa is the No. 1 ranked recruit in the 2025 class and possibly the most sought-after player. He has more than 30 offers from some of the top schools across the nation and has recently narrowed it down to seven universities.
Dybantsa will now mount visits to Alabama, Baylor, Auburn, BYU, Kansas State, Kansas and North Carolina in the coming months, before yielding his commitment in February 2025.
Here's a closer look at the top programs that are in the race to land AJ Dybantsa next year.
Top 5 college programs in the race for AJ Dybantsa
#5. Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State offered a record-setting NIL compensation of $2 million to former Illinois big Coleman Hawkins through the transfer portal this summer.
With that, after Hawkins is done with his college career next year, Jerome Tang's program can shell out a significant amount to land AJ Dybantsa.
#4. North Carolina Tar Heels
Blue Blood UNC is one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. However, being the best player in the nation, Dybantsa will need more than that to give his commitment.
With that, the 2024-25 seasons can be the dealmaker for the Tar Heels. The development of freshman James Brown, Drake Powell and Ian Jackson can add to the program’s acumen.
#3. BYU Cougars
The basketball scene in Utah has already left a mark on AJ Dybantsa. He transferred to Hurricane’s Utah Prep for his senior high school season. With that, as BYU makes the cut, it also stands as the strongest landing point in case Dybantsa chooses to stay in Utah.
Moreover, BYU coach Kevin Young's background as a player and associate coach for the Phoenix Suns could be an enticing factor for Dybantsa, who is aiming to make it to the big league.
#2. Alabama Crimson Tide
AJ Dybantsa is set to visit Nate Oats’ program on September 27, which could give an essence of what his threshold with the university can be. Nevertheless, Dybantsa already has a connection in Alabama.
Nate Oats’ assistant coach Preston Murphy was Dybantsa’s coach in the EYBL, where he averaged 22.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists to be the fourth best scorer this season.
#1. Auburn Tigers
Dybantsa is heavily considering teams that have spoken with his father Ace and Bruce Pearl has been in long-term conversations with him and his family. He has already visited the Tigers and has showcased a leaning towards a playbook that can bolster him to a guard’s role.
It sits well with Bruce Pearl’s plans for Dybantsa, who aims to play the 6-foot-9 forward at shooting guard.
Where do you think AJ Dybantsa should play his college ball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.