Kentucky basketball is set to welcome one of the top shooters in the nation this fall. Cole Cloer, ranked No. 25 overall in the class of 2026, has confirmed an official visit to Lexington for September 17–18.
The 6-foot-7, 190-pound small forward out of Bradenton, Florida, has quickly earned a reputation as the premier shooter in his class. Known for his smooth mechanics, deep range, and three-level scoring ability, Cloer is regarded by coaches and scouts as a player who can make an immediate offensive impact at the next level.
For head coach Mark Pope, Cloer represents the exact kind of talent Kentucky is looking for. Pope has made it clear that he wants his Wildcats firing from long distance—ideally 30 attempts per game. While last season’s group fell short of that goal, Cloer’s arrival could help fuel the kind of perimeter-heavy offense Pope envisions.
Cloer’s recruitment is heating up with a busy slate of visits this fall. He’ll head to NC State (Aug. 29–31), Florida (Sept. 5–7), Kentucky (Sept. 17–18), North Carolina (Oct. 10–12), and Alabama (Oct. 17–19). Originally, his top eight included Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Louisville, UNC, NC State, UConn, and Virginia, but the competition has intensified as programs recognize just how valuable his shooting ability could be.
With Big Blue Nation craving a knockdown shooter to headline the 2026 class, Cloer’s visit to Lexington looms large. If Pope and his staff can sell him on their vision, Kentucky could soon find itself in the driver’s seat for one of the most dangerous scorers in high school basketball.
