Top 2025 ACC Recruits: Duke Leads the Charge as Rivals Reload for a Conference Comeback
After a challenging 2024–25 campaign, ACC basketball looks set for a major bounce-back, thanks in large part to an elite 2025 recruiting class. Five ACC programs secured nationally ranked top-10 classes, and 11 of the top 30 players in the country are headed to the league next season.
At the forefront is Duke, which landed three of the top 10 recruits entering the ACC—more than any other program. Meanwhile, both North Carolina and NC State brought in the highest-rated commitments in their modern recruiting histories. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 freshmen joining the ACC in 2025:
10. Matt Able – SG, NC State
Final Ranking: No. 28 Overall | No. 6 SG
The most anticipated NC State recruit since Dennis Smith Jr., Able chose the Wolfpack over schools like Alabama and Texas. A smart, three-level scorer, he’s an ideal fit for Will Wade’s system.
9. Sadiq White Jr. – PF, Syracuse
Final Ranking: No. 26 Overall | No. 5 PF
An explosive athlete with elite defensive tools, White gives Syracuse a high-ceiling prospect. While his offensive game is still evolving, his upside is undeniable.
8. Shelton Henderson – SF, Miami
Final Ranking: No. 25 Overall | No. 7 SF
After backing off his pledge to Duke, Henderson followed former Blue Devils assistant Jai Lucas to Miami. He’s a physical, two-way wing who adds immediate versatility to the Hurricanes’ lineup.
7. Cayden Boozer – PG, Duke
Final Ranking: No. 23 Overall | No. 4 PG
The son of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cayden is a steady, savvy point guard with great feel, vision, and size. He’s expected to compete for major minutes in Duke’s backcourt.
6. Jalen Haralson – SF, Notre Dame
Final Ranking: No. 18 Overall | No. 4 SF
Haralson becomes Notre Dame’s highest-rated commit in the modern recruiting era. A strong and skilled wing, he brings shot creation and defensive tenacity to Micah Shrewsberry’s rebuild.
5. Mouhamed Sylla – C, Georgia Tech
Final Ranking: No. 17 Overall | No. 2 C
At 6’10”, Sylla is a mobile rim protector from Senegal who excels in the paint on both ends. He projects as a defensive anchor with All-ACC potential right out of the gate.
4. Nikolas Khamenia – SF, Duke
Final Ranking: No. 15 Overall | No. 3 SF
Khamenia is a highly skilled forward with passing vision, shooting touch, and all-around polish. His versatility and IQ make him a strong candidate for early playing time in Durham.
3. Caleb Wilson – PF, North Carolina
Final Ranking: No. 8 Overall | No. 3 PF
Wilson, UNC’s lone McDonald’s All-American in the class, is a dynamic defender with rising offensive potential. He led his high school to a state championship and brings instant impact to Chapel Hill.
2. Mikel Brown Jr. – PG, Louisville
Final Ranking: No. 6 Overall | No. 2 PG
Louisville’s highest-rated recruit since 2008, Brown is a polished point guard with elite handles, vision, and shooting. He’s a foundational piece for Pat Kelsey’s rebuild.
1. Cameron Boozer – PF, Duke
Final Ranking: No. 3 Overall | No. 1 PF
Widely regarded as the most complete player in the class, Boozer (Cayden’s twin brother) is a dominant two-way forward who’s expected to be a centerpiece for Duke from day one.
ACC 2025 Recruiting Highlights:
• Duke tops the ACC with three top-10 commits and holds the No. 3 recruiting class nationally.
• Notre Dame, SMU, Syracuse, and North Carolina complete the conference’s top five classes.
• UNC and NC State both secured program-changing recruits.
• With a surge of incoming talent, the ACC is poised to reassert itself as one of college basketball’s premier conferences.
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