Can Kentucky Pull Off a Recruiting Shock and Land This Five-Star Forward?
A High-Stakes Decision Coming October 21
One of the biggest recruiting battles of the fall is about to take center stage — and Kentucky is still fighting to stay in it.
According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Anthony Thompson, a five-star small forward from Ohio, has officially set his college decision date for Tuesday, October 21. Thompson, ranked No. 8 nationally and the No. 2 small forward in the 2026 class by 247Sports, owns a staggering 0.9974 composite rating — making him one of the most coveted prospects in the country.
His final six schools? Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio State, Texas, Michigan, and North Carolina.
The Battle Lines Are Drawn
Right now, recruiting insiders give the edge to Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State. But if there’s one program that’s proven capable of flipping big names late, it’s Kentucky.
Under Mark Pope, the Wildcats have been quietly building momentum on the recruiting trail — and while Thompson may not be a lock to Lexington, no one inside Big Blue Nation is ready to count them out just yet.
The Scouting Breakdown
“He’s grown to 6-foot-8 in shoes and has a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan,” said Adam Finkelstein, 247Sports’ Director of Scouting. “That overlap of length and shot-making is rare, especially at this early stage. Thompson is also young for his grade.”
Having just turned 18 in August, Thompson has already shown the polish and maturity of a college-ready forward. His three-level scoring, smooth mechanics, and elite defensive tools make him one of the most complete prospects in high school basketball. Some scouts have even drawn early comparisons to a young Paul George — a testament to his blend of length, fluidity, and confidence.
A Defining Moment for Mark Pope
This recruitment could serve as an early measuring stick for Mark Pope’s first full recruiting cycle in Lexington.
Even if Kentucky doesn’t land Thompson, simply being in the mix for a top-10 player sends a strong message about where the program is headed. But if Pope and his staff manage to pull off the upset? It could be a program-shifting moment — a sign that Kentucky’s recruiting power is alive and well in the new era.
