Class of 2025 recruit Jasper Johnson was one of the top that UNC basketball had targeted in the class. Not only was he a top target, Johnson also had UNC in his sights as well naming them to his final five schools.

However, as his decision day approached, the crystal ball started aiming in a way opposite the Tar Heels' direction. Today, Johnson made the decision official in a verbal announcement with his family and in front of his school to commit to play at the University of Kentucky.

He will join his friend, Malachi Moreno, and head to his home state of Kentucky.

This continues to add to the recruiting woes that UNC is experiencing in this 2025 class. However, there is still hope with a chance at the No. 1 overall recruit of the class in AJ Dybantsa.

UNC will now shift its recruiting focus to those players where they are still in the running. The Heels have yet to get a verbal commitment from anyone in the Class of 2025, and fans are still wondering who that first one will be.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : UNC recruit announces commitment to blue-blood rival