Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope has already put together a solid recruiting class for 2025, and is hard at work on 2026 as well. That work is paying off with recruits. Class of 2026 point guard Tay Kinney has the Wildcats in his top 15 schools.
Kinney is a 6’0″, 160 lb point guard out of Newport, Kentucky currently playing with Overtime Elite in Atlanta. He is ranked by 247sports as the number 20 player in the class and is rated four stars.
Related: Where Kentucky ranks in ESPN Bracketology
Kentucky offered Kinney back in August while he was on an unofficial visit to Lexington. Louisville also offered him along with multiple SEC schools. In all, he received almost 40 offers, but has narrowed his options down to 15.
Along with the Wildcats, Kansas, Arkansas, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Alabama Crimson Tide made Kinney’s list. Many consider Kentucky to be the favorite because he’s an in-state recruit, but the other schools are certain to make a push.
A commitment is likely a long way off, but he would be a great addition to Kentucky and fans will want to keep an eye out.
Kentucky basketball continues to assert itself as a powerhouse on the recruiting trail, earning a spot in the top 15 for Tay Kinney, a highly-touted prospect from the class of 2026. Kinney, a 6’5” shooting guard from Atlanta, Georgia, has been turning heads with his combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility. His rise through the rankings has made him one of the most sought-after players in his class, with major programs vying for his commitment.
Kentucky’s inclusion in Kinney’s list comes as no surprise, given the Wildcats’ track record of developing elite talent for the next level. Head coach John Calipari and his staff have been relentless in their pursuit of Kinney, showcasing their vision for how he fits into their system. Kinney’s ability to create his own shot, attack the basket, and lock down opponents on defense aligns perfectly with Kentucky’s style of play.
Kinney announced his top 15 schools via social media, including programs such as Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama alongside Kentucky. The Wildcats’ presence on the list underscores their continued relevance among blue-chip recruits, even as competition in college basketball recruiting intensifies.
In interviews, Kinney has praised Kentucky for its storied history and ability to prepare players for the NBA. “Coach Calipari’s program speaks for itself,” Kinney recently stated. “They know how to develop players, and their track record is unmatched. It’s exciting to think about playing on that stage and learning under one of the best.”
For Kentucky, landing Kinney would add another dynamic piece to their already stacked recruiting classes. The Wildcats have made significant strides in recent years in securing top-tier talent, and Kinney’s commitment would further solidify their position as one of college basketball’s premier destinations.
While Kinney is far from making his final decision, Kentucky fans can take pride in their school’s position at this stage in the recruitment. The Wildcats will need to continue building a strong relationship with the young star and emphasize their vision for his development both on and off the court.
As Tay Kinney’s recruitment unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Kentucky positions itself to land one of the top players in the 2026 class. For now, the Wildcats remain firmly in the race.
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