It was a big day on the recruiting trail, but not the kind Kentucky fans were hoping for. Two of the top prospects in the 2026 class — Bryson Howard and Anthony Thompson — have officially made their college decisions, and neither will be donning the Kentucky blue next season.
Five-star small forward Bryson Howard, one of the most sought-after names in the 2026 class, has chosen Duke University, ending a high-stakes battle between college basketball’s royal programs: Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina. Howard, a Texas native from Heritage High School in Frisco, made his announcement Tuesday after weeks of speculation. Ranked No. 12 nationally by 247Sports, the explosive wing is known for his smooth shooting, two-way ability, and leadership qualities that make him a perfect fit for Jon Scheyer’s up-tempo system.
Howard officially visited Kentucky earlier this month on October 4, and there was optimism among Wildcat fans that head coach Mark Pope could land his first five-star of the 2026 class. However, Duke’s recent track record of developing NBA-ready wings — from Jayson Tatum to Dariq Whitehead — ultimately sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, another Kentucky target, Anthony Thompson, decided to stay closer to home. The 6-foot-8 small forward from Lebanon, Ohio, committed to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes their first top-10 recruit in 16 years under new head coach Jake Diebler. Thompson, ranked No. 7 overall, will finish his senior season at Hudson Western Reserve Academy before heading to Columbus, where he’s expected to be a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ resurgence.
Thompson had narrowed his choices to six — Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State — and even took an official visit to Lexington on September 24. Kentucky made a strong push, but the home-state connection and Diebler’s aggressive recruiting vision won him over.
With both Howard and Thompson off the board, the pressure now shifts to Mark Pope and his staff as they pursue four-star center Josh Irving, who is set to announce his commitment later this week. Kentucky remains in the running alongside Louisville and Texas A&M, though early predictions favor the Aggies.
As the 2026 recruiting picture begins to take shape, Kentucky’s hunt for its first major commitment continues — a challenge Pope will need to overcome quickly to keep Big Blue Nation’s confidence intact.
