The **Kentucky Wildcats** have just strengthened their **2025-26 roster** with the addition of **four-star forward Braydon Hawthorne**, a move that has fans and analysts buzzing with excitement. Hawthorne, ranked **No. 33 overall in the 2025 class**, committed to Kentucky over **Duke, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh**, marking another major recruiting win for **head coach Mark Pope** [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9rZW50dWNreS1sYW5kcy1uby0zMy1yYW5rZWQtYnJheWRvbi1oYXd0aG9ybmUtdG8tY29tcGxldGUtMjAyNS1jbGFzcy0yNTAxMjc0OTBcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJzUVgxU0Q1aVVkaFJtZm1pbkhuQ2QifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/kentucky-basketball-recruiting-braydon-hawthornes-commitment-marks-latest-offseason-win-for-mark-pope/ar-AA1Fa0GV?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoic1FYMVNENWlVZGhSbWZtaW5IbkNkIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiRFJaTTJMd3hudDE2ZktWNUh4elFFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLXJlY3J1aXRpbmctYnJheWRvbi1oYXd0aG9ybmVzLWNvbW1pdG1lbnQtbWFya3MtbGF0ZXN0LW9mZnNlYXNvbi13aW4tZm9yLW1hcmstcG9wZVwvYXItQUExRmEwR1YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **A Rising Star Joins the Wildcats**
Hawthorne, a **6-foot-8, 175-pound small forward** from **Huntington Prep**, has been one of the biggest risers in the 2025 recruiting class. His **versatility, length, and ability to stretch the floor** make him a valuable asset for Kentuckyโs already stacked roster. With a **7-foot-3 wingspan**, Hawthorne has the tools to be an elite **two-way player**, capable of **scoring off the dribble, passing efficiently, and defending multiple positions** [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9rZW50dWNreS1sYW5kcy1uby0zMy1yYW5rZWQtYnJheWRvbi1oYXd0aG9ybmUtdG8tY29tcGxldGUtMjAyNS1jbGFzcy0yNTAxMjc0OTBcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkRSWk0yTHd4bnQxNmZLVjVIeHpRRSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJzUVgxU0Q1aVVkaFJtZm1pbkhuQ2QifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
His commitment comes after a breakout high school season, where he climbed from **outside the Top 150** to being recognized as one of the **top long-term prospects** in the country. His rapid development and competitive edge have made him a highly sought-after recruit [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9rZW50dWNreS1sYW5kcy1uby0zMy1yYW5rZWQtYnJheWRvbi1oYXd0aG9ybmUtdG8tY29tcGxldGUtMjAyNS1jbGFzcy0yNTAxMjc0OTBcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkRSWk0yTHd4bnQxNmZLVjVIeHpRRSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJzUVgxU0Q1aVVkaFJtZm1pbkhuQ2QifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Kentuckyโs Loaded 2025-26 Roster**
With Hawthorneโs addition, Kentucky now boasts **one of the deepest rosters in the nation**. The Wildcats have successfully blended **high school recruits, transfer portal additions, and returning players**, creating a team that is more than capable of competing for a **national championship** [C](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/basketball/mark-pope-has-a-good-problem-on-his-hands-with-the-2025-26-kentucky-roster/ar-AA1FhUmF?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoic1FYMVNENWlVZGhSbWZtaW5IbkNkIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL2Jhc2tldGJhbGxcL21hcmstcG9wZS1oYXMtYS1nb29kLXByb2JsZW0tb24taGlzLWhhbmRzLXdpdGgtdGhlLTIwMjUtMjYta2VudHVja3ktcm9zdGVyXC9hci1BQTFGaFVtRiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Kentuckyโs **starting lineup** is expected to feature **Jaland Lowe, Otega Oweh, and Jayden Quaintance**, with fierce competition for the remaining spots. Hawthorne joins a roster filled with **elite talent**, ensuring that Kentucky will have **depth at every position**โa luxury that was missing last season [C](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/basketball/mark-pope-has-a-good-problem-on-his-hands-with-the-2025-26-kentucky-roster/ar-AA1FhUmF?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoic1FYMVNENWlVZGhSbWZtaW5IbkNkIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiRFJaTTJMd3hudDE2ZktWNUh4elFFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL2Jhc2tldGJhbGxcL21hcmstcG9wZS1oYXMtYS1nb29kLXByb2JsZW0tb24taGlzLWhhbmRzLXdpdGgtdGhlLTIwMjUtMjYta2VudHVja3ktcm9zdGVyXC9hci1BQTFGaFVtRiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 member and proud Notre Dame alumnus was inducted Friday into the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame with its Class of 2025. Another well-deserved honor for The Bus.### **Hawthorneโs Role and Future Impact**
While Hawthorne may not be expected to play a **major role immediately**, his **development and physical growth** will determine his impact in the coming seasons. He has expressed his commitment to **working hard, gaining strength, and earning his place** in Kentuckyโs rotation [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoic1FYMVNENWlVZGhSbWZtaW5IbkNkIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvcmVjcnVpdGluZ1wvYXJ0aWNsZVwva2VudHVja3ktbGFuZHMtbm8tMzMtcmFua2VkLWJyYXlkb24taGF3dGhvcm5lLXRvLWNvbXBsZXRlLTIwMjUtY2xhc3MtMjUwMTI3NDkwXC8iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
โIf I come in and do what I got to do, then I will have an opportunity to play,โ Hawthorne said. โIf not, I am going to put my head down and keep working and get ready for the next year and do what I can to support my teamโ [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoic1FYMVNENWlVZGhSbWZtaW5IbkNkIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvcmVjcnVpdGluZ1wvYXJ0aWNsZVwva2VudHVja3ktbGFuZHMtbm8tMzMtcmFua2VkLWJyYXlkb24taGF3dGhvcm5lLXRvLWNvbXBsZXRlLTIwMjUtY2xhc3MtMjUwMTI3NDkwXC8iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Looking Ahead**
With **Mark Popeโs aggressive recruiting strategy**, Kentucky has positioned itself as a **national title contender**. Hawthorneโs commitment adds another layer of **depth and versatility**, ensuring that the Wildcats remain **one of the most feared teams in college basketball**.
As the **2025-26 season approaches**, all eyes will be on Kentucky to see how this **stacked roster** performs. With **elite talent, strong coaching, and a winning mentality**, the Wildcats are ready to make a serious run at **banner No. 9** [A](https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/kentucky-lands-no-33-ranked-braydon-hawthorne-to-complete-2025-class-250127490/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC8yNDdzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9rZW50dWNreS1sYW5kcy1uby0zMy1yYW5rZWQtYnJheWRvbi1oYXd0aG9ybmUtdG8tY29tcGxldGUtMjAyNS1jbGFzcy0yNTAxMjc0OTBcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkRSWk0yTHd4bnQxNmZLVjVIeHpRRSIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJzUVgxU0Q1aVVkaFJtZm1pbkhuQ2QifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
