AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked recruit for the 2025 college basketball class, officially announced his commitment to play for Brigham Young University (BYU) during Tuesday morning’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take.” Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward from Massachusetts, was heavily sought after, with his decision coming down to BYU, the University of North Carolina (UNC), Alabama, and Kansas.
Having long been considered the frontrunner, BYU successfully secured Dybantsa’s commitment despite late efforts from the Crimson Tide and Tar Heels, who fought to sway his decision in the final weeks. Dybantsa visited all four schools in September, ultimately choosing the Cougars.
As he enters his senior year at Utah Prep in Hurricane, Dybantsa is already drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum. With impressive performances, such as scoring 31 points in a game against Dream City and following it up with 28 points against Prolific Prep, he is poised to become a standout player at the college level and a likely top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, UNC’s basketball program, under head coach Hubert Davis, is actively securing recruits for their 2025 class. The Tar Heels have already added four-star guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon to their roster, aiming to fill the role of departing fifth-year guard RJ Davis. Currently positioned 29th in the recruiting rankings for 2025, UNC is keen to attract more high-profile talent, with Caleb Wilson—a highly-rated power forward from Georgia—being eyed as a potential addition.
With the college basketball landscape continuing to evolve, Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU and the ongoing recruitment efforts at UNC highlight an exciting future for both programs. As these young athletes develop, there is much to look forward to in the coming seasons, with the potential for groundbreaking achievements both in college and beyond.
Hopeful moments lie ahead as both Dybantsa and UNC’s recruits work towards their respective futures in basketball, showcasing the talent and competitiveness that defines college sports.