In a stunning turn of events, highly touted high school basketball recruit Jeremiah Fears has shaken up the college basketball landscape once again with his decision to de-commit from Illinois and reclassify to 2024. Despite being a member of the class of 2025, Fears is now up for grabs in the recruiting world.
Fears, a top-40 recruit, had been committed to Illinois since January, but now finds himself as one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. With his new status as a member of the 2024 class, Fears has two new programs emerging as leading candidates for his services.
One of the frontrunners for Fears’ talents is the Arizona State Sun Devils. According to recruiting expert Joe Tipton, Fears plans to make his college decision following the EYBL Peach Jam, a prestigious event that will take place from July 13-21. However, Tipton has cast doubt on Kentucky’s chances of landing Fears, citing the Wildcats’ limited scholarship availability.
Michigan State also appeared to be a potential destination for Fears, with his brother Jeremy Fears Jr. already a member of the Spartans. Jeremy, a highly regarded recruit in his own right, showed promise in limited playing time last season. Despite the family connection, Tipton now believes that Oklahoma has emerged as a top choice for Fears.
The Sooners currently have a full roster for the 2024-25 season, but it remains to be seen if they have a spot available for Fears. With 14 players already on the roster, the addition of Fears or another recruit like Dalton Forsythe may necessitate some roster adjustments. The recruitment of Jeremiah Fears has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, and fans eagerly await his decision as the recruiting landscape continues to evolve.