Kentucky basketball’s pursuit of elite talent continues as head coach Mark Pope sets his sights on Ethan Taylor, the No. 1 center in the 2026 class and No. 22 overall prospect according to 247Sports. Standing 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Taylor combines rare physical tools with mobility, power, and an emerging offensive skill set.
Taylor recently narrowed his choices to six programs: Oregon, Oklahoma, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan State, and Kentucky. His official visit schedule runs in that order, with Kentucky hosting him last from Oct. 10–12. That timing presents both opportunity and risk — earlier visits could sway him, but being the final stop allows the Wildcats to leave a lasting impression.
Known as a dominant lob threat, strong rebounder, and versatile defender, Taylor’s upside is immense. 247Sports’ scouting director Adam Finkelstein calls him “the most physically gifted big man in the class.” While he’s still polishing conditioning and post timing, his ceiling is championship-caliber.
For Pope, landing Taylor isn’t just about size — it’s about securing a future centerpiece to anchor Kentucky’s paint presence for years. If he makes it to Lexington in October, Big Blue Nation could be in prime position to seal the deal.
