Duke basketball continues to build its future with elite talent, officially extending a scholarship offer to 6-foot-8 power forward Sebastian Wilkins, a highly regarded four-star prospect in the class of 2026. The offer, announced this week, marks another big step in Wilkins’ rise through the national ranks — and it comes with an intriguing twist: Wilkins is widely expected to reclassify into the 2025 class.
Wilkins, a dynamic and athletic forward, has been turning heads with his explosive play, high motor, and ability to impact both ends of the floor. Known for his length, shot-blocking, and versatility, Wilkins has all the tools of a modern forward and has become one of the hottest names in recruiting circles. Duke’s offer makes them a serious contender in what is quickly becoming a competitive recruitment.
The 6’8” prospect currently plays for Grayson High School in Georgia, where he has dominated in the frontcourt. His ability to run the floor, rebound, defend multiple positions, and finish strong around the rim has caught the attention of multiple blue-blood programs. Now, with Duke officially in the mix, the spotlight on Wilkins just got a lot brighter.
Duke’s coaching staff has been keeping tabs on Wilkins throughout the past year, and their recent offer is a sign that they believe he is ready to make an impact at the college level sooner rather than later. With his expected reclassification to the 2025 class, Wilkins could arrive in Durham a full year earlier than initially planned — a move that would boost Duke’s already strong recruiting momentum.
The Blue Devils have had success developing forwards with Wilkins’ profile in recent years, and his skill set fits seamlessly into their up-tempo, aggressive style of play. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball in transition, and anchor a defense makes him a perfect match for the program’s vision.
Sources close to Wilkins have indicated that he is strongly considering the reclassification route and is already making the academic moves necessary to make the transition. If that happens, it would significantly shake up the 2025 recruiting landscape and give Duke an even deeper frontcourt rotation in the near future.
Sebastian’s recruitment is still open, but the Duke offer is expected to carry weight. With their rich tradition, NBA pipeline, and national exposure, Duke presents a unique opportunity for a player like Wilkins — one who’s looking to compete at the highest level and prepare for the next stage of his career.
Wilkins has not released a formal list of finalists yet, but programs like Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama have shown strong interest. However, Duke’s entry into the conversation elevates the stakes, and with the possibility of a 2025 arrival, things could move quickly.
The rising star has remained humble throughout the process, focusing on his game and development. He’s repeatedly emphasized that he wants to find a school that will challenge him, support him, and help him reach his full potential — both on the court and in the classroom.
Duke fans are already buzzing about the possibility of adding Wilkins to the 2025 class, which could give the program a dominant mix of size, athleticism, and scoring. If he makes the leap, expect him to be a day-one contributor with the kind of upside that could put him on an NBA track.
As Wilkins weighs his options and prepares for what could be a major reclassification decision, one thing is clear — Duke is all in. And if he chooses the Blue Devils, college basketball could be looking at one of the most exciting frontcourt additions of the 2025 season.
