UConn strengthened its 2027 recruiting class Wednesday, November 11, with a commitment from 7-foot-1 center Jack Thelen of Maple Grove High School in Minnesota. The four-star prospect had originally committed to Wisconsin in June before reopening his recruitment in October. He visited UConn on October 29 and Illinois the following weekend, then chose coach Dan Hurley’s program. This is a new commitment announced Wednesday, not a recycled report about his earlier decommitment.
Thelen is regarded as a highly rated national prospect, though not a consensus top-25 player. Rivals places him at No. 88 in the 2027 class, while the 247Sports composite lists him around No. 111. He has emphasized UConn’s record of developing big men, including Donovan Clingan, as a major attraction. Thelen also recognizes areas to improve, particularly physical play around the basket, rebounding and anticipating blocked shots.
His decision adds frontcourt size to a class already featuring five-star guards NaVorro Bowman Jr. and Jordan Page along with French big man Keny Vado. The addition moved UConn to No. 2 in the 247Sports composite team rankings, behind LSU. For Hurley, the commitment offers another developmental center rather than a guarantee of immediate college production. For recruiting followers, it is another sign that UConn’s national profile and player-development reputation remain influential well beyond the current season.