247Sports national basketball director Eric Bossi offered insight into UNC’s 2025 recruiting class and their final rankings
On Wednesday, the 247Sports scouting team released its final rankings for the 2025 class. North Carolina’s trio of Caleb Wilson, Derek Dixon, and Isaiah Denis saw movement in their individual standings, with the class ultimately landing at No. 7 in the overall Team Rankings. We spoke with Eric Bossi, 247Sports’ national basketball director, for a breakdown of why each player landed where they did and what Carolina fans can expect from the freshmen in the 2025–26 season.
Caleb Wilson
Final Ranking: No. 8 Overall (+1) | No. 3 Power Forward
A five-star forward from Holy Innocents Episcopal in Atlanta, Wilson moved up one spot in the final update as Koa Peat fell three spots. Wilson averaged 21.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 2.1 steals in his senior season, helping lead his team to a 27–4 record and its first-ever state championship. He’s UNC’s only McDonald’s All-American in this class and ranks as the fifth-highest-rated Tar Heel signee since 2000.
“Wilson’s slight bump in the rankings might seem small, but cracking the top 10 is a big deal,” Bossi said. “There are still questions about how he’ll handle college-level physicality, but his athleticism and defensive versatility stand out. He should contribute early as a switchable defender and transition scorer, and as he gets more comfortable, his offensive skill set should continue to develop.”
Derek Dixon
Final Ranking: No. 45 Overall (+4) | No. 8 Combo Guard
Dixon, the first to commit in UNC’s 2025 class, chose the Tar Heels over Pitt, Virginia, and Vanderbilt in September 2024. The Gonzaga College High School (Washington, D.C.) product averaged 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 38.5% from three on 208 attempts during his senior year. He also carried a 4.1 GPA.
“Dixon’s ranking didn’t change much recently, but he made his biggest jump last summer,” Bossi said. “His shooting and ability to play either guard spot make him a valuable piece. He’ll need to learn how to balance scoring with playmaking in college, but early on, letting him focus on scoring might be the best path.”
Isaiah Denis
Final Ranking: No. 52 Overall (−4) | No. 10 Combo Guard
Denis, the only in-state member of UNC’s 2025 class, is a 6-foot-5 guard from Davidson Day. He entered the rankings at No. 177 last May, rose to No. 41 by July, and settled at No. 52. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 17 games before a finger injury sidelined him. He returned for the playoffs and hit 35.2% from three on 88 attempts.
“Denis is probably the toughest player in UNC’s class to evaluate,” said Bossi. “Even in North Carolina, opinions about him vary. He’s got size, scoring ability off the bounce, and shooting potential, but he needs to get stronger and refine his game. He might struggle early, but if the staff is patient and he stays the course, he has the potential to become a top scorer in the ACC down the line.”
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