Another elite 2026 prospect sets up recruiting visit with Kentucky

Will the Cats reel in a big fish in 2026? The latest official visit scheduled is a step in that direction.
Kentucky-commit Reed Sheppard brings the ball up the court atop the large UK logo at the UK HealthCare Boys Sweet 16 tournament Wednesday at Rupp Arena. March 15, 2022

2022 Sweet Sixteen Boys Basketball Tournament
Kentucky-commit Reed Sheppard brings the ball up the court atop the large UK logo at the UK HealthCare Boys Sweet 16 tournament Wednesday at Rupp Arena. March 15, 2022 2022 Sweet Sixteen Boys Basketball Tournament | Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kentucky schedules visit with rising 2026 star Bryson Howard

Mark Pope continues to push Kentucky into elite recruiting territory, with Tyran Stokes gaining momentum to be a Cat, and the latest sign? A scheduled official visit with rising 2026 four-star forward Bryson Howard, son of former Mavericks great Josh Howard.

Howard, currently ranked No. 28 in the ESPN100, will visit Lexington from October 4–6. He also has visits set with Texas A&M (Aug. 29–30), North Carolina (Sept. 5–7), Texas (Sept. 12–14), Duke (Sept. 19–21), Houston (Sept. 26–28), UConn (Oct. 17–19), and Tennessee (Oct. 24–26) according to Sam Kayser.

Kentucky offered Howard earlier this year, and his stock has only risen. He averaged 17.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game as a junior, and turned heads again at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, SC. There, he posted 15.8 points per game while shooting 40% from three—a strong performance that earned him national buzz.

Patrick O’Brien of Phenom Hoops said: “2026 6’6 Bryson Howard has had some strong plays to start the camp. Really have been liking his ability to play off the ball and knock down shots, and has showcased good athleticism on both ends of the court. Smooth release from outside.”

At 6-foot-6 with NBA bloodlines and a growing perimeter game, Howard fits exactly the kind of versatile forward mold Pope thrives with. He’s a modern wing who defends, rebounds, and stretches the floor—something Kentucky will always find a place for. And something that is desperately needed if Pope's up-tempo and physical style is going to stay beyond just 2025.

If the Wildcats can make a strong impression during his October visit, don’t be surprised if Pope adds another national-level name to his 2026 class.

The visits are piling up, and the commitments will soon start rolling in.