The Fall recruiting period is finally here, and if you thought Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was going to ease into it, think again. Pope is already sending shockwaves through the recruiting world, showing just how serious he is about building a powerhouse 2026 class in Lexington.
How serious? His very first recruiting stop came just after midnight — yes, while most people were sleeping — and it was for one of the best guards in the country.
Midnight Madness on the Recruiting Trail
Pope was front and center to see elite guard Tay Kinney, a top-tier point guard with Kentucky firmly in his final eight schools. Kinney has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the 2026 class, and Pope wanted to make sure the Wildcats made their presence known immediately.
But Pope wasn’t alone. Standing across from him? Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey. That’s right — the Bluegrass rivalry is already alive and well, and Pope wasted no time drawing the battle lines.
Pope Keeps His Foot on the Gas
While one late-night trip might’ve been enough for most coaches, Pope’s Wednesday schedule showed he’s on a different level of commitment. His next stop was a visit to Baba Oladotun, a versatile forward who recently reclassified into the 2026 class.
Oladotun is already working on setting up a trip to Lexington, and Kentucky is pushing to make sure his visit leaves no doubt about where he belongs. Pope knows Oladotun could be a difference-maker — the type of forward Kentucky fans love to watch dominate in the paint.
A Rising Star in the Backcourt
Later in the day, Pope zeroed in on another top backcourt target: Deron Rippey Jr. After a breakout summer that elevated his profile nationally, Rippey is now considered one of the premier guards in his class. His combination of quickness, scoring ability, and leadership has made him a must-get for programs around the country.
Kentucky has already scheduled a visit for Rippey, and with Pope personally showing up this early, it’s clear the Wildcats see him as a cornerstone piece for the future.
The Big Picture: Kentucky is Coming
These three visits — all in less than 24 hours — tell you everything you need to know about Mark Pope’s approach to recruiting: Kentucky is back to hunting the very best, and they aren’t waiting around to do it.
The 2026 class is already shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory, with several top-tier prospects set to visit Lexington over the coming weeks. For Pope, this isn’t about rebuilding. It’s about reloading — and doing it with the kind of star power that can put Kentucky back on top of college basketball.
So, Big Blue Nation, get ready. This is just the beginning.
