Five-star combo guard Jason Crowe Jr. sets commitment date, with Kentucky firmly in contention

Five-star point guard Jason Crowe Jr., the No. 6 overall prospect in the class of 2026, has officially announced that he will make his college decision on **July 18, 2025**, opting to take the next big step in his career during a high‑stakes mid‑summer release. This development has sent ripples through the basketball world, and for good reason ([aseaofblue.com][1]).

Crowe, standing at 6′3″ and weighing 170 pounds, hails from Inglewood, California, where he’s carved out a reputation for his elite quickness, court vision, and scoring prowess. In the 247 Sports Composite rankings, he holds the No. 6 overall spot, firmly cementing his status as a generational talent ([aseaofblue.com][1]).

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### 🔍 A Final Six: Kentucky among heavy hitters

Crowe has not publicly confirmed his finalists, but scouts and insiders suggest the race includes top-tier programs like **Kentucky, Washington, USC, Alabama, Baylor, UCLA, and Texas** ([aseaofblue.com][1]).

Kentucky is seen by many as particularly well-positioned—thanks in part to the deep ties between Crowe’s family and the Wildcats’ coaching staff. Jason Hart, UK assistant coach and former high school teammate of Jason Crowe Sr., is often referred to by Crowe Jr. as “like an uncle,” according to insiders ([aseaofblue.com][2]). This bond is reinforcing Kentucky’s standing as a favorite.

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### 🎯 Why July 18th matters

By selecting a July commitment, Crowe places himself ahead of the curve in the 2026 cycle. While he previously indicated a possible December or January decision, shifting it up to mid-July underscores **how decisive and focused** he feels now ([aseaofblue.com][1]).

For Kentucky, securing Crowe this early would not only validate Coach Mark Pope’s aggressive recruiting tactic but set a tone for a high-stakes summer haul. With a wave of portal pickups already reshaping the roster, landing Crowe would cap off UK’s recruitment with a high-caliber foundation.

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### 🏀 What Crowe brings

* **Elite playmaking**: Known for his lightning-first-step and flair for both scoring and facilitating.
* **Versatility**: Able to play both guard spots and switch seamlessly between creating and finishing.
* **Intangibles**: His competitive leadership and poise elevate team culture—and that’s a commodity Kentucky covets.

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### 🧭 A sign of what’s to come?

This announcement could mark the beginning of a **recruiting surge** at Kentucky. With Pope’s staff already in early talks with other top-15 prospects—like Tyran Stokes and Tay Kinney—Crowe’s decision could influence momentum for the rest of the class ([aseaofblue.com][3]).

If Kentucky does indeed land its top target in mid‑July, it provides not only a recruiting statement, but also gives the coaching staff more runway to tailor roster strategy—balancing portal additions with future high school talent.

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### 🗓 Mark your calendars

* **July 18, 2025**: Jason Crowe Jr.’s official commitment announcement day.
* Stay tuned to coverage sites like On3 and A Sea of Blue for live updates.

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### 🏁 Final thoughts

Jason Crowe Jr.’s July 18th commitment is more than just another recruiting date—it could serve as a defining moment for Kentucky’s 2026 class. With unmatched skill, elite high school credentials, and a familial bond with UK’s coaching staff, Crowe is the type of player who could anchor a national title run in Lexington.

**What to look for next:**

1. Will Crowe’s announcement coincide with Kentucky leading the crystal‑ball forecasts?
2. Could it inspire other elite prospects to commit early?
3. And—most importantly—will Crowe ultimately emerge in **Big Blue**?

Stay locked in. July 18 could be the beginning of a recruiting renaissance for UK.