Stunning Twist: Jaylen Carey Flips Commitment from Tennessee to Join Elite Kentucky Basketball Program
April 12, 2025 – Lexington, KY
In a dramatic and unexpected recruiting shakeup, top basketball prospect Jaylen Carey has officially decommitted from Tennessee and announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
Carey, a dynamic five-star guard known for his explosive scoring and high basketball IQ, had previously pledged to the Volunteers and was seen as a cornerstone of their future roster. However, in a move that caught the basketball world off guard, he reversed course and committed to John Calipari’s powerhouse program at Kentucky.
“After careful thought and conversations with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to take a new path,” Carey shared in a statement. “I’m excited to announce my commitment to the University of Kentucky. Big Blue Nation—let’s get to work.”
The switch instantly elevates Kentucky’s already loaded recruiting class, positioning them as early national title contenders for the upcoming seasons. It’s also a significant blow to Tennessee, whose fans had eagerly anticipated Carey’s arrival.
Recruiting experts say the decision may have been influenced by Kentucky’s long-standing reputation for developing NBA-ready talent and its recent string of top draft picks.
“This is a major recruiting coup for Kentucky,” one analyst noted. “Carey brings elite playmaking and could be a one-and-done star in Lexington.”
With Carey now wearing blue and white, all eyes turn to how Tennessee responds—and how much bigger Kentucky’s recruiting splash could still get.
