The finish line is in sight for one of the top players in the 2025 recruiting class, and while Kentucky remains in the hunt, a Southeastern Conference rival may have the inside track.
Five-star wing Nate Ament, ranked No. 4 overall in the 2025 cycle by 247Sports, is down to five finalists: Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Duke, and Louisville. After taking official visits to each school and delaying his commitment timeline several times, Ament’s decision could be coming any day now — and momentum appears to be building for the Volunteers.
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Recruiting analyst Travis Branham of 247Sports logged a Crystal Ball prediction in favor of Tennessee on Thursday, signaling a potential shift in Ament’s recruitment. Branham currently ranks Kentucky second among the finalists, but his projection suggests that if a commitment happens this weekend, the Wildcats may fall just short.
Ament, a 6-foot-9, highly skilled wing, would be a major addition to any roster. His blend of size, shot-making, and athleticism has already made him a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He’s also expected to command a significant freshman role — and likely a sizable NIL valuation — making his landing spot even more impactful.
Despite Tennessee’s recent surge, Kentucky isn’t out of the picture. Head coach Mark Pope has been active in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail since taking over, piecing together a 2025-26 roster with 12 scholarship players already on board. With room for one or two more additions, especially on the wing, Ament represents the type of dynamic scorer Pope could build around.
While Kentucky boasts a revamped roster and a reenergized fan base under Pope, Ament’s decision may ultimately come down to opportunity, role, and fit — all factors Tennessee appears to be leveraging down the stretch.
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Ament recently gave Kentucky fans a glimpse of his game at the Jordan Brand Classic in Washington, D.C., where he squared off against UK signee Jasper Johnson. In just nine minutes of action, Ament posted 10 points on 2-of-4 shooting, along with five rebounds and three assists, flashing the versatility and poise that have earned him elite prospect status.
Whether Kentucky can make a final push remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking. With Ament’s commitment potentially coming within days, all eyes are on a recruitment that could tilt the balance of power in the SEC and on who else Kentucky will target if they don’t land Ament.