Even in high school, Cayden Boozer is connected to a lot of high-caliber basketball names. His father, Carlos Boozer, made a name through his impactful presence in the paint in the NBA. Cayden'e brother Cameron Boozer is considered the second-best recruit in the 2025 talent pool.
Nevertheless, Cayden Boozer himself takes up a spot on the top 20 recruits in the incoming class, bringing two restricted gold medal experiences with Team USA and three high school state championships to his resume.
On that note, let’s look at the five frontrunner programs that could garner Boozer’s commitment in the coming months.
Top five college programs in the race for Cayden Boozer
According to 274Sports, Boozer has accumulated a total of six offers. Neither has he narrowed his list to specific programs nor has shared a timeline to yield his commitment, though. Here are the top five college programs:
#5 Kentucky Wildcats
Maybe due to the pressure of cultivating a completely new roster for the Wildcats, Mark Pope hasn't been aggressive in Boozer’s recruitment. The youngster has talked to the new staff only once as both sides are still building a relationship.
Nevertheless, Kentucky’s winning history speaks for itself. Moreover, in case Mark Pope manages a good run in the 2024-25 season, it will not only solidify his coaching acumen but also spring the Wildcats into contention for top-rated recruits.
#4 North Carolina Tar Heels
Another Blue Blood program, Tar Heels has plenty to display when it comes to the guard role.
UNC will take it a level beyond when RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau transmit the same values to this year’s freshmen James Brown, Drake Powell, Ian Jackson and John Holbrook.
#3 Duke Blue Devils
Being a point player himself, Duke’s guard-inclusive playbook automatically suits Cayden Boozer’s aspired opportunity. Their on and off-ball movement, the program’s illustrious history and constant media eyes could help prepare Boozer for the big league.
Boozer has a good relationship with Jon Scheyer, who helps him on the basketball side of things from time to time.
#2 Arkansas Razorbacks
John Calipari offered Cayden Boozer when he was still leading the Kentucky Wildcats, in May 2023.
Months later, Boozer visited the Wildcats on an official visit, which was enough to keep him in Calipari’s touch when the coach switched programs this summer.
Calipari has a reputation for developing NBA-caliber talents, making his Arkansas team one of the best suitors for Boozer.
#1 Miami Hurricanes
Cayden Boozer has mounted multiple visits to the Hurricanes, giving him an opportunity to not only indulge with the staff but also witness Jim Larranaga’s playbook in action. The 17-year-old likes the fast-paced offense the Hurricanes specialize in.
Nevertheless, the Hurricanes’ uncertainty in making the NCAA tournament could work against them for Boozer’s recruitment. With that, the trajectory of Miami’s 2024-25 season could weigh heavily in gaining Boozer’s commitment.
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