The Kentucky Wildcats remain firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s top basketball prospects, as five-star center Ethan Taylor has officially narrowed his list of potential colleges and scheduled a visit to Lexington.
Taylor, ranked No. 22 in the 2026 recruiting class, announced that he has trimmed his options to six schools: Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Michigan State, and Arizona. His decision comes after months of heavy recruitment from some of college basketball’s biggest names, with each program making a strong case for his commitment.
For Big Blue Nation, the news is especially encouraging. Taylor has locked in October 10–12 for his official visit to Kentucky, coinciding with the Wildcats’ highly anticipated Big Blue Madness weekend. The event traditionally serves as a major recruiting showcase, giving fans and prospects alike a glimpse of the energy and culture surrounding UK basketball.
Taylor’s game has drawn widespread praise from scouts and coaches. Standing at 6-foot-10, he combines elite rim protection with a versatile offensive skill set, capable of scoring both in the paint and from midrange. His high basketball IQ and strong work ethic have positioned him as one of the most sought-after big men in his class.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has made recruiting elite frontcourt talent a priority since taking over the program, and Taylor fits the mold perfectly. Sources close to the program suggest that Pope and his staff see Taylor as a potential anchor for the team’s future front line—someone who could impact the game on both ends of the floor from day one.
While the Wildcats will face stiff competition from the other powerhouse programs on Taylor’s list, the upcoming visit presents a key opportunity for Kentucky to strengthen its pitch. With the electric atmosphere of Rupp Arena, the program’s history of developing NBA-caliber talent, and the passionate support of Big Blue Nation, UK hopes to make a lasting impression.
As the recruiting race intensifies, all eyes will be on Lexington in October to see whether Kentucky can position itself as the frontrunner for Ethan Taylor’s signature.
