Kentucky basketball is making a serious push for one of the biggest names in the 2027 recruiting class, and Mark Pope just received a major opportunity to strengthen the Wildcats’ chances.
Five-star power forward CJ Rosser has narrowed his recruitment to seven schools, with Kentucky remaining firmly in the race. The 6-foot-10 standout is also considering Arkansas, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Southern California.
The biggest news for Kentucky is that Rosser has scheduled an official visit to Lexington for Oct. 1-2. His visit will coincide with Big Blue Madness, giving Pope and his staff an ideal opportunity to showcase the Kentucky basketball experience.
Rosser is ranked No. 2 overall in the 2027 class by 247Sports, making him one of the most coveted recruits in the country. Kentucky was also one of the earliest programs to make him a priority, offering him a scholarship in May 2025.
The Wildcats have remained involved ever since.
Rosser has already experienced Kentucky basketball in person. He took an unofficial visit to Lexington in February, attending Kentucky’s SEC matchup with Oklahoma at Rupp Arena.
Pope and assistant coach Mikhail McLean have also spent considerable time evaluating and building a relationship with the talented forward. Kentucky coaches have watched Rosser compete with USA Basketball, on the Nike AAU circuit, at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Turkey.
Rosser showed why he is considered an elite prospect during the U-17 World Cup, averaging 16.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. The United States went on to win its eighth consecutive championship at the event.
The relationship between Rosser and Kentucky’s coaching staff also extends beyond basketball. In April, Pope and McLean visited Rosser and spent time fishing with him, another sign of how seriously the Wildcats are taking his recruitment.
Now, Pope will have another chance to make an impression.
Rosser’s official visit schedule begins with North Carolina before moving to North Carolina State, Miami and Arkansas. Kentucky gets its opportunity during the first two days of October, followed by visits to USC and Louisville.
For Pope, this could be one of the most important recruiting weekends of the fall.
Kentucky already has four-star small forward Ryan Hampton committed for the 2027 class. Adding Rosser, however, would completely change the outlook of the class and give the Wildcats an elite cornerstone for the future.
With Big Blue Madness providing the backdrop, Pope will have the attention of one of the nation’s best young players — and Kentucky will have a chance to show Rosser why Lexington could be the perfect place for the next step in his basketball career.
