Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is gearing up for one of the biggest recruiting weekends since taking over the program, with Lexington set to host a wave of five-star talent.
Two of the top-10 players in the class of 2026 — Christian Collins and Cameron Williams — will be on campus for official visits starting Friday. This follows a midweek stop from five-star wing Anthony Thompson, giving the Wildcats a loaded recruiting slate as they push to make a splash in the 2026 cycle.
Two Five-Star Frontcourt Targets
Collins, a 6-foot-8 power forward from St. John Bosco (California), is ranked No. 7 nationally by the 247Sports Composite and is one of the fastest-rising players in his class. Known for his versatility, Collins says he can do it all:
> “I’m extremely versatile. I can do whatever the coach wants me to do on the floor,” Collins said. “Bring the ball up, spot up and shoot, play in the post, guard one through five — whatever is needed.”
Collins has built a close relationship with Kentucky assistant coach Jason Hart, who has deep Southern California roots and has been recruiting Collins since his freshman year.
Williams, at 6-foot-11, brings a mix of length, athleticism, and skill that has drawn comparisons to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Ranked No. 4 nationally, Williams is coveted for his ability to score at all three levels and protect the rim.
> “He glides across the court with intriguing fluidity, while also being able to explode with immense force around the rim,” said Zach Welch of Pro Insight Basketball.
Kentucky extended Williams a scholarship offer in July, with Hart again playing a key role in his recruitment.
Kentucky Still Seeking First 2026 Commitment
Despite having no pledges in the 2026 class, Kentucky has been aggressive, extending 20 scholarship offers — 19 of them to top-50 recruits. The Wildcats are playing catch-up, with 10 SEC programs already holding at least one commitment, including Missouri and Vanderbilt with three each.
Collins has already visited USC and Oregon and has a trip to Tennessee lined up next month. Williams has seen SMU, Texas, and Purdue and will soon visit Duke, USC, and Arizona. Duke, which hosts Williams for its Countdown to Craziness event, is considered a major contender.
What This Weekend Means
Landing either Collins or Williams would send a clear message that Kentucky is still a major recruiting power under Mark Pope. Even if no immediate commitment follows, the Wildcats have positioned themselves squarely in the mix for two of the most sought-after frontcourt players in the country.
Fans will also be watching closely on Sunday, when Northern Kentucky native Taylen Kinney, a five-star point guard, makes his college choice. While UK is on his final list, most expect him to land elsewhere.
Still, this weekend gives Pope and his staff the opportunity to prove Kentucky remains a premier destination for the nation’s top talent.
