Top-10 sophomore recruit Kam Mercer announced his commitment to Cincinnati, he told ESPN on Thursday.

Mercer also plans to reclassify into the 2027 class.

Mercer is the school's highest recruit since at least 2007 and their first five-star recruit since Lance Stephenson in 2009.

"They made me a priority, and once I made my visit, I felt very comfortable there," Mercer said. "Growing up in Cincinnati, it means a lot to me to play here."

Mercer is new coach Jerrod Calhoun's first recruit since taking over in the spring.

Mercer, who is ranked No. 7 for the 2028 class, will likely be ranked in the top 20 for the class of 2027.