Kentucky adds 4-star edge, top in-state prospect to 2025 recruiting class

The top prospect in the Bluegrass State is staying home.

Kentucky landed a big-time addition for its 2025 recruiting class on Tuesday when Javeon Campbell, a blue-chip edge defender, announced his commitment to play for Mark Stoops’ troops.

Campbell verbally pledged to the Wildcats in a live ceremony. Heading into his big announcement, he named Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn and Miami his finalists.

The No. 1 player from the state of Kentucky is staying home!

4⭐️ edge rusher Javeon Campbell has committed to @UKFootball ⚪️

WATCH FULL: https://t.co/ObtQcq289P pic.twitter.com/qSn3b6FYp7

— 247Sports (@247Sports) July 2, 2024

Out of Frankfort (Kentucky) Western Hills High School, Campbell is listed as measuring 6-5, 265 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Campbell is rated 4-stars, the No. 1 recruit in the state of Kentucky, No. 22 defensive lineman and No. 172 prospect overall in the Class of 2025.

RELATED: Time to get in the game, Big Blue Nation! Sports betting is live in the Bluegrass State and SDS has an exciting DraftKings Kentucky promo to get fans signed up today! Don’t miss out!

Campbell generated a lot of interest ahead of his commitment. He picked up scholarship offers from 23 programs, including Florida, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon and others. He took official visits to his four finalists – Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn and Miami – in May and June.

Campbell described making the decision as a weight off his chest. He was nervous about making the big announcement, but never had doubts about staying home to play for UK.

Frankfort’s Javeon Campbell on choosing Kentucky—

“It feels really good to get the weight off my chest”

I was able to speak with him shortly after his special announcement. pic.twitter.com/zhOKYlhM9g

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) July 2, 2024

With Campbell on board, Kentucky now has 15 verbal commitments in its 2025 recruiting class, which ranks No. 20 nationally on the Composite. Cats fans who don’t follow Western Hills football can get a preview of what Campbell will bring to Lexington by checking out his highlights below:

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.