Kentucky’s recruiting board is heating up, and the next few weeks could define everything about Mark Pope’s first full class in Lexington. With Deron Rippey Jr. and Josh Irving inching closer to decisions, the Wildcats are in the middle of a high-stakes race that could shape the future of the program
Mark Pope’s first full recruiting cycle at Kentucky has officially hit the pressure point — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Wildcats are still searching for their first 2026 commitment, and the next few weeks could define the foundation of Pope’s new era in Lexington.
Deron Rippey Jr.: Kentucky’s Top Priority at Point Guard
Few names have exploded onto the 2026 scene like Deron Rippey Jr., the electrifying 6-foot-2 point guard out of Blair Academy. After visits to Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, UNC, Syracuse, and Texas, Rippey is far from finished — with upcoming stops at Duke, NC State, and Tennessee still on deck.
During his visit to Lexington, Rippey told Adam Zagoria that Kentucky’s message was clear and direct:
> “They told me they want me to come in and be that starting guy at the point guard position, trying to show people what Kentucky basketball is trying to uphold even after Coach Cal left — in the Mark Pope era.”
That’s not just recruiting talk — it’s a full-on vision pitch. Pope’s staff made it clear Rippey is “for sure” one of their top priorities, hoping to make him the heartbeat of the 2026 class and the future of the backcourt.
Josh Irving: Decision Imminent?
Meanwhile, four-star center Josh Irving out of Pasadena, California, might be closing in on a decision. Kentucky, Louisville, and Texas A&M round out his final three, and with all visits wrapped up, several insiders believe an announcement could drop within the week.
Kentucky’s message to Irving has focused on fit and freedom — selling him on Pope’s system that empowers big men to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and showcase skill rather than size alone.
If Pope can win this battle against both Louisville and an SEC rival, it would mark a signature recruiting victory — and perhaps the program’s first big moment of momentum under the new staff.
The Future — and the Mystery
Beyond 2026, Kentucky continues to play the long game. The Wildcats recently offered Dawson Battie, a 2027 forward who caught the staff’s eye during Big Blue Madness. His athleticism and versatility align perfectly with Pope’s forward-thinking approach to roster building.
And then there’s the name everyone in Big Blue Nation whispers about: Tyran Stokes. The No. 1 overall prospect remains the biggest enigma in recruiting. Optimism inside the program suggests Kentucky is in strong position — but with Stokes keeping his cards close, the timeline for a decision remains anyone’s guess.
The Big Picture: Building Fit, Not Flash
One thing is clear — Mark Pope’s recruiting blueprint isn’t about chasing hype; it’s about building identity. Kentucky is targeting players who align with a system rooted in spacing, IQ, and accountability.
But with no commitments yet in the 2026 class, the next few weeks loom large. Landing two of the trio — Rippey, Irving, and Stokes — would be a statement moment, a declaration that the Pope era isn’t just about transition… it’s about transformation.
Because for all the excitement around what’s coming, the pressure is real — and it’s time for Kentucky to deliver.
