Villanova Recruiting Recap: Room for Growth in 2025 Commits

The Villanova Wildcats’ head coaching change turned their 2025 recruiting class on its head. Here’s what’s changed so far, along with potential developments in the coming days.

Villanova underperformed in recruiting toward the tail end of the Kyle Neptune era, bringing in just one 2025 recruit… albeit a member of the ESPN Top 100, legacy commit Dante Allen. However, Neptune’s departure caused Allen to reopen his recurring. He ended up staying in Florida, committing to the University of Miami on April 14.

Diamonds in the Rough

Villanova picked up another recruit shortly after Allen backed out, however, as new head coach Kevin Willard brought the commitment of combo guard Chris Jeffrey, 247Sports’ No. 70 player in the class of 2025, along with him from Maryland.

Jeffrey stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 200 pounds, averaging 14 points, five rebounds and five assists per game as a junior for Maryland’s Mt. Zion Prep. He also showed a penchant for picking up steals, and elevated his scoring to another level during his final season with Mt. Zion, frequently dropping more than 25 points per game. Jeffrey’s status as a late bloomer means the jury is still out on him: while 247Sports includes him among their Top 100, giving him an overall grade of 92, he didn’t make the cut with ESPN, who issued a grade of 81 despite agreeing with his four-star status.

Villanova may have found a diamond in the rough with Jeffrey, a common theme in the upcoming class perhaps best exemplified by 7-foot-1 center prospect Nico Onyekwere, who signed with the Wildcats on Monday, April 28. Onyekwere’s height is sure to catch the eye, but he only played one season in the United States, limiting his ability to put out tape for interested coaches.

He’s a strong athlete, not always a given for a player of his size, but his technique could use some work as he continues to learn how to use his size to his advantage: Philadelphia Sports Now broke down his film performance here. Onyekwere may not be able to crack the lineup right away, but the natural talent he possesses makes him an exciting prospect to follow.

More to Come?

Villanova might still have some recruiting pull left in the tank, with four-star point guard recruit Acaden Lewis, ESPN’s No. 31 player, expected to choose between the Wildcats and Miami in the coming days. A dynamic 6-foot-2 lefty with excellent handles, finishing touch and passing, Lewis possesses the talent to start from day one: desire to do so is likely why he decommitted from Kentucky in search of another option. Earning a commitment from Lewis could help the Wildcats turn a recruiting class with plenty of potential to develop into one with immediate upside.