CBS Sports gives Kentucky the edge for DJ Wagner

With Justin Edwards now on board, all eyes turn to DJ Wagner and Kentucky’s budding 2023 superclass. Wagner, the No. 1 player in the On3 Consensus, is thought to be down to Kentucky and Louisville, with a decision expected soon. Over the past few weeks, the tide has seemingly turned in Kentucky’s favor. Not only did John Calipari travel to Spain to watch Wagner play in the FIBA U17 Championships, Wagner agreed to an NIL deal with NOCTA, Drake’s Nike sub-label. A Kentucky brand run by a famous Kentucky fan.

Yesterday, CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone broke down the case for Kentucky and Louisville in Wagner’s recruitment. Obviously, Louisville hired Wagner’s grandfather, Milt, and Kenny Payne is very close to the Wagner family. However, Calipari has his own family ties with the Wagners, and Kentucky is Kentucky, whereas Louisville will likely still be in rebuilding mode in the 2023-24 season. For those reasons, Boone gives the Cats the edge.

Calipari’s roots run deep in the Wagner family, and what he helped do for Dajuan Wagner (getting him to the NBA) and for Milt Wagner (giving him his start in coaching) can’t be understated. Even with Milt Wagner’s presence at Louisville, the gravitational pull to UK — which offers a bigger platform and a chance to play for a Hall of Famer — might be too much for the Cardinals to overcome. 

Kyle Boone, CBS Sports

Right now, Kentucky has the lead for Wagner in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) at 59.4% to Louisville’s 39.8%. There were rumblings he could announce this week, but he told Jack Pilgrim at the Peach Jam that he’s not in a rush.

“No, I’m definitely not committing this week or anything like that,” Wagner told KSR. “I’m definitely taking my time with it. As of right now, I don’t know when I’m going to commit. I’m just taking it day by day, taking my time. I know for sure I’m not committing this week.”