Kentucky Basketball Pursues Caleb Holt, Interest Wanes in Deron Rippey
The Kentucky Wildcats are actively pursuing top talent as they head into the regular basketball season. The recruitment landscape for the class of 2026 remains dynamic, with notable targets still on the board.
Kentucky Basketball Focuses on Prospects
According to Jamie Shaw from On3, two players have emerged as key targets for the Wildcats. One of them is five-star guard Caleb Holt.
Caleb Holt’s Recruitment
- Holt has already visited Lexington twice.
- His recruitment appears to be gaining positive momentum.
- He may delay his decision until fellow recruit Tyran Stokes makes his choice.
Reports indicate that Kentucky’s interest in Holt is strong. However, his final decision could hinge on the outcome of Stokes’ recruitment. Shaw noted, “Kentucky has picked up steam, but Holt is watching Stokes’ recruitment.”
Challenges with Deron Rippey
The Wildcats face increased competition for another top recruit, five-star point guard Deron Rippey. Current updates suggest that Kentucky is not among his preferred choices.
- Rippey’s leading schools include Duke, Tennessee, and NC State.
- He is expected to commit to an Adidas-sponsored program due to his current sponsorship.
As a result, Rippey’s connection to Kentucky appears to be fading, which is not entirely unexpected. With potential returning players like Jaland Lowe and Jasper Johnson, securing Rippey seems unlikely.
Focus on Tyran Stokes
The final focus of Kentucky’s recruitment efforts lies with Tyran Stokes. Currently, it appears to be a competitive race between Kentucky and Kansas. While both programs await Stokes’ decision, the timeline remains uncertain.
As the season progresses, fans and recruits alike are eager to see how head coach Mark Pope navigates these recruitments. With the potential to land both Holt and Stokes, there is still hope for the Wildcats’ 2026 class.
