Chris Cenac Jr., No. 1 Center in 2025 Class, Commits to Houston Cougars
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting world, top-10 prospect Chris Cenac Jr., the No. 1 center in the 2025 class, has officially committed to the Houston Cougars. This decision not only makes Cenac the highest-ranked recruit in Houston’s modern history but also propels the Cougars to the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, trailing only Duke.
Cenac Jr. had no shortage of suitors, with a final list that included powerhouse programs like LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, and Tennessee. For much of his recruitment, homestate LSU appeared to be a strong contender, while Kentucky made a significant push over the summer. Tennessee also worked hard to close the gap in recent weeks. However, Houston emerged as the frontrunner this fall, thanks in large part to the relationship Cenac built with head coach Kelvin Sampson and assistant coach Quannas White.
“I built a great relationship with Coach Sampson, Coach White, and the rest of the staff. They have a plan to develop me, and I trust them,” Cenac told ESPN. “I know Coach Sampson is going to coach me hard. I want that and I need that. I am a coachable player. People see Coach Sampson only on the court—he has a good sense of humor, and he is really a funny guy.”
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Cenac is already being projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA mock draft. His decision to join Houston reflects his desire to grow as a player while contributing to a winning program. “I want to go to a winning program and produce to help them win even more,” Cenac said. “At the same time, they can help me develop my game for the next level after Houston.”
A Dominant Force on the Court
Cenac’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. He had a breakout spring on the Puma Pro16 circuit, where he showcased his skills and athleticism. He followed that up with dominant performances at the USA Basketball U17 minicamp and the NBPA Top 100 camp. His efforts earned him a spot on the U17 National Team, where he helped lead the squad to a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup. In seven games off the bench, Cenac averaged 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, proving his ability to make an impact on the international stage.
What makes Cenac such a coveted prospect is his versatility. Defensively, his wingspan allows him to contest and block shots while also disrupting passing lanes with deflections. Offensively, he’s a dual-threat big man who can score inside with polished back-to-the-basket moves, footwork, and a reliable jump hook. But that’s not all—Cenac also boasts an impressive face-up game and is comfortable shooting out to the 3-point line. His rim-running, mobility, shot-blocking, and touch make him the prototype for today’s modern big man.
Houston’s Historic Recruiting Class
Ranked No. 7 in the ESPN 100, Cenac’s commitment is a game-changer for the Cougars. He becomes the program’s highest-ranked recruit since the ESPN recruiting database began in 2007. With Cenac in the fold, Houston’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks second in the nation, behind only Duke.
Here’s a look at Houston’s star-studded 2025 recruiting class:
- Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 7 overall, No. 1 center)
- Isiah Harwell (No. 14 overall, top-25 guard)
- Kingston Flemings (No. 21 overall, top-25 guard)
- Bryce Jackson (four-star guard)
With this level of talent, the Cougars are poised to make a serious run at national prominence in the coming years. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has already built a reputation for developing players and creating a winning culture, and this recruiting class only solidifies Houston’s status as a rising powerhouse in college basketball.
What’s Next for Cenac and Houston?
For Cenac, the focus will now shift to preparing for his senior season and continuing to refine his game before arriving in Houston. For the Cougars, the addition of Cenac and their loaded recruiting class sets the stage for what could be a golden era for the program. With a mix of elite talent and strong coaching, Houston fans have every reason to be excited about the future.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Chris Cenac Jr.’s decision to commit to Houston is a monumental moment for the program and a sign of even bigger things to come.
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello
