In one of the biggest recruiting stories of the year, the No. 1 player in the country, five-star forward Jayden Simmons, has officially committed to the Memphis Tigers, giving head coach Penny Hardaway a program-defining addition to his 2025 recruiting class. Simmons, a 6-foot-9 phenom out of Atlanta, Georgia, chose Memphis over blue-blood programs such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas.
Simmons made his announcement during a nationally televised segment, donning a Memphis cap as he shared his decision. “This was about trust, family, and vision,” Simmons said. “Coach Penny has been real with me from day one. I believe in what he’s building, and I want to be a part of something special in Memphis.”
The commitment is nothing short of monumental for the Tigers. Simmons is widely regarded as the top high school player in the country, boasting elite athleticism, advanced scoring ability, and a defensive presence that sets him apart at the highest level. He has been compared to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero for his ability to impact the game in every area.
For Memphis, landing the nation’s No. 1 recruit signals a return to prominence. The Tigers have recruited well under Hardaway, but this commitment marks a new high. Not since the days of Derrick Rose has Memphis landed a recruit of this caliber.
“Jayden is the kind of player who can change a program,” said one national analyst. “He has pro tools, a mature mindset, and the charisma to lead a team from day one. Memphis is getting a future star.”
The decision is also a major blow to the traditional recruiting giants. Simmons had taken official visits to Kentucky and Duke, and Kansas made a late push to get into the picture. Still, the consistent relationship with Penny Hardaway and his staff ultimately proved to be the difference.
Hardaway expressed his excitement shortly after the announcement. “Jayden is a once-in-a-generation talent,” he said. “We’re building something special here at Memphis, and having the No. 1 player in the nation believe in our program says everything about where we’re heading.”
Simmons is expected to be a one-and-done player with legitimate NBA lottery potential. In the meantime, his presence will bring national attention to Memphis and elevate the program’s status both on and off the court.
With the addition of Jayden Simmons, the Tigers now hold one of the most impressive recruiting wins in recent history — and momentum that could carry them back to national title contention.