Questions continue to swirl around Kentucky’s recruiting struggles, especially with the Wildcats still lacking a single commitment for the 2026 class despite being in strong position for several top prospects.
A new report from Jack Pilgrim and Jacob Polacheck of KSR sheds light on what’s really going wrong — and the answers point to issues both inside the program and at the administrative level. Even more surprising? Mark Pope’s emotional approach may be part of the problem.
“His emotions got in the way of everything.”
According to a source directly involved in multiple recruitments, Pope’s passion, while admirable, has become a barrier during negotiations.
> “In negotiations, you can’t have emotions involved… Mark, I think he takes it so personal — which is good in a way, but not in negotiations,” the source told KSR.
“It was really hard to do good business because his emotions got in the way of everything.”
The source emphasized that their only priority was development and honesty from the staff — but when Pope became too emotionally invested, deals became harder to finalize.
The NIL “sandbox” problem
The source also suggested that Pope is still learning to navigate the high-level recruiting landscape that comes with coaching at Kentucky.
> “[He’d say] ‘This is Kentucky. We’re not getting in a bidding war.’ And I’m like, ‘Okay, well then that’s your risk if you want to lose him.’”
“I don’t think he knows how to play in this game yet… Pope has never done this type of business before getting here.”
At BYU, Pope wasn’t dealing with NIL battles for superstar athletes. At Kentucky, that’s a weekly reality — and one he’s still adjusting to.
JMI’s role in the recruiting issues
Pope’s emotional approach isn’t the only factor holding things back. The KSR report also highlighted frustrations with UK’s JMI-handled NIL model, which has complicated recruiting efforts for both the staff and the families of recruits.
Between structural NIL issues and internal negotiating challenges, Kentucky’s recruiting machine hasn’t been operating at full strength.
The silver lining: It’s all fixable
While the concerns are real, none are permanent. Pope can adjust. NIL processes can be reworked. And a year of experience at a blue-blood program teaches plenty.
But if changes don’t come — both from Pope and from those above him — Kentucky’s recruiting issues could linger longer than fans expect.
