The Kentucky Wildcats appear to be gaining momentum in their pursuit of one of the fastest-rising stars in the 2026 recruiting class — Bryson Howard.
Howard, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound guard from Heritage High School in Texas, turned heads during the NCAA’s first live evaluation period while playing for Pro Skills Elite on the Nike EYBL U16 circuit. He posted eye-popping numbers, averaging 26.8 points per game while shooting 42.3% from three (11-of-26), along with 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals per contest.
According to Jacob Polacheck of KSR+, Kentucky assistant coaches Alvin Brooks III and Mikhail McLean reached out to Howard following his recent standout performances. Though the Wildcats haven’t officially offered a scholarship yet, their early contact signals growing interest and active recruitment.
A number of programs — including Tennessee, Georgetown, Houston, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma — have already shown serious interest. Now, with Kentucky entering the mix, the competition is heating up.
Adding to Howard’s allure is his pedigree: he’s the son of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard, who enjoyed a decade-long career, primarily with the Dallas Mavericks. That NBA bloodline, combined with elite scoring ability and a strong all-around game, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in his class.
Despite currently being rated a 3-star recruit by On3, Howard’s stock is rising fast. If his performances continue at this level, a higher ranking and more offers are sure to follow — and Kentucky is positioning itself early to land a potential future star.
Big Blue Nation should keep a close eye on Bryson Howard, as the Wildcats inch closer to making a major recruiting splash.
