Big Blue Nation — hold onto your seats. Kentucky’s recruiting board is on fire, and the next few weeks could completely reshape Mark Pope’s first full recruiting class.
From a surprising miss on one of the top wings in the class to a possible program-changing commitment from the No. 1 player in the country, here’s what you need to know — and why it could define Kentucky basketball’s future.
Kentucky Stunned as Cole Cloer Leaves Cats Off Final List
In a move that caught many off guard, five-star wing Cole Cloer trimmed his list to Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, NC State, and UConn, with Kentucky nowhere to be found.
Kentucky made a late push, but Cloer’s mind was made up.
Why it matters: Cloer would’ve brought shooting and versatility to Lexington. This is a miss — but the Wildcats are still in on even bigger names.
Massive Visit Weekend Could Change Everything for Mark Pope
The biggest recruiting weekend of the fall is here, and Kentucky’s coaching staff is rolling out the red carpet.
Jason Gardner Jr. (4⭐ PG, 2027) – Visiting Lexington on Oct. 18 and a prime candidate to become Kentucky’s future floor general.
Christian Collins (5⭐, 2026) – Moved his visit up, giving UK the first shot to make a major impression.
Anthony Thompson (5 Star, 2026) – Already on campus for his official visit, right before Collins arrives.
Why it matters: These are the types of visits that flip momentum and land cornerstone recruits. If Pope can close on even one, it’s a huge win.
Kentucky Still in the Mix for Jordan Smith Jr.
Five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. just revealed his top six schools — Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse — and the Wildcats are right there in the hunt.
Why it matters: Smith’s two-way game is perfect for Mark Pope’s system. Keeping Kentucky in the final group keeps BBN’s hopes alive for another elite guard in the backcourt.
Tyran Stokes Recruitment Turns Into Kentucky vs. Kansas Battle
The No. 1 player in 2026, Tyran Stokes, is down to two serious contenders — and Kentucky is right in the thick of it.
Louisville has fallen off, and insiders believe Kentucky could be trending up at the perfect time.
Why it matters: If Pope lands Stokes, it would be the first time since Nerlens Noel that the No. 1 overall recruit plays at Kentucky. This could be the commitment that defines Pope’s era.
Taylen Kinney Decision Coming Soon — But Will It Be Kentucky?
Top guard Taylen Kinney is expected to announce his college decision by late September, with Kansas currently viewed as the favorite.
Kentucky and Louisville are still in the mix, but the momentum seems to favor the Jayhawks.
Why it matters: Kinney was one of Pope’s early priorities. Missing him would sting, but Kentucky is still alive for several other top guards — including Stokes and Smith — who could more than make up for it.
Bottom Line: Recruiting Dominoes Are About to Fall
Kentucky basketball is entering a make-or-break stretch. Between a massive visit weekend, Jordan Smith Jr.’s final list, and the Tyran Stokes sweepstakes, this could be the month Mark Pope lands the kind of commitment that puts Kentucky back on top of the recruiting world.
Big Blue Nation, stay locked in — the next few weeks could be program-defining.
