Top Basketball Recruit Chooses to Pass on Kentucky Despite Three Visits
In a surprising twist in the college basketball recruitment landscape, Anthony Thompson, a highly-regarded prospect, has chosen Ohio State over Kentucky. The 6-foot-8 small forward from Ohio, ranked as the No. 8 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class by the 247Sports Composite, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Thompson’s Commitment Details
After taking three official visits to Mark Pope’s Kentucky program over an 11-month period, Thompson’s commitment to Ohio State comes as a significant development. His shortlist included seven schools: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Purdue, and Texas. Notably, he only visited all these schools except Purdue.
- Thompson is the highest-ranked recruit for Ohio State since D’Angelo Russell in 2014.
- He is the fifth player in the top 20 of the 2026 rankings to finalize a college choice.
- The Buckeyes’ 2026 class also features notable players like four-star point guard Marcus Johnson and four-star power forward Alex Smith.
Thompson’s Recruitment Journey
Thompson’s official visits to Kentucky included key events such as:
- Big Blue Madness in October 2024
- A home win over Florida in January 2025
- A final official visit last month, which solidified his standing within the program.
His relationship with Kentucky was framed by discussions on his versatility and potential contributions to the team. Thompson expressed appreciation for Kentucky’s storied basketball history and their program’s reputation.
Current State of Kentucky’s Recruiting Efforts
With Thompson’s decision, Kentucky remains one of the few SEC programs without a commitment from the 2026 class. The program is competing alongside Auburn and Georgia in this regard. Additionally, concern is minimal about recruiting dynamics, especially with the continued interest in top recruit Tyran Stokes, who stands out as a key target for Kentucky.
Kentucky is also in the hunt for several prospects including:
- Guards Deron Rippey Jr. and Jordan Smith
- Small forwards Baba Oladotun, Caleb Holt, and Bryson Howard
- Power forward Christian Collins and centers Arafan Diane and Josh Irving
Notably, Howard is set to announce his commitment soon, while Oladotun recently visited Kentucky. The Wildcats have extended scholarship offers to 16 uncommitted prospects, indicating they remain active in the recruiting process.
Looking Ahead
Calmness pervades from the Kentucky coaching staff as they navigate the recruitment landscape. Coach Mark Pope emphasizes a focus on finding players who align with their program’s philosophy, rather than simply chasing the highest-ranked athletes.
The early signing period for the 2026 class is poised to commence on November 12, with high anticipation surrounding upcoming commitments across the nation.
