The Kentucky Wildcats are aggressively pursuing top talent for their 2026 recruiting class, with 5-star guards Jordan Smith Jr. and Tay Kinney among their top targets.
Smith, a highly touted prospect, has recently opened up about his recruitment timeline, leaving the door open for Mark Pope and the Wildcats to make a strong push. With seven potential destinations, including Arkansas, Duke, and Louisville, Smith’s decision remains uncertain. Pope’s fast-paced offense and Kentucky’s tradition of producing NBA guards make the Wildcats an attractive option.
Meanwhile, Pope’s staff is closely monitoring Tay Kinney, a top-15 point guard who’s drawing interest from several top programs. Although Louisville is thought to be in a strong position, Arkansas has emerged as a serious contender after Kinney scheduled an official visit. Other programs, including Texas, Oregon, and Indiana, are also in the mix.
Both Smith and Kinney would fit seamlessly into Pope’s system, bringing versatility and high energy to the Wildcats’ backcourt. As Kentucky reshapes its identity under Pope, securing a dynamic duo in the 2026 class could be pivotal in building a future national title contender.
