The **Kentucky Wildcats** have secured a **top-10 ranking** in the **2025 team recruiting rankings**, marking another strong class under **head coach Mark Pope**. With a mix of **elite high school recruits and key transfer additions**, Kentucky is poised to remain a powerhouse in college basketball.
### **Kentucky’s 2025 Recruiting Class**
Kentucky’s recruiting efforts received a major boost with the commitment of **four-star forward Braydon Hawthorne**, who chose the Wildcats over Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/kentucky-basketball-adds-another-high-school-recruit-to-next-season-s-team/ar-AA1Fa4yH?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLWFkZHMtYW5vdGhlci1oaWdoLXNjaG9vbC1yZWNydWl0LXRvLW5leHQtc2Vhc29uLXMtdGVhbVwvYXItQUExRmE0eUgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Hawthorne, ranked **No. 101 overall**, was one of the biggest risers in the **247Sports high school recruiting rankings** this season. His **7-foot-3 wingspan** and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable addition to Kentucky’s roster.
Alongside Hawthorne, Kentucky’s **2025 recruiting class** includes:
– **Jasper Johnson** – A **top-25 recruit** and one of the best guards in the class [B](https://saatsports.com/team-sports/kentucky-2025-recruits-espn-top-100-rankings/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2FhdHNwb3J0cy5jb21cL3RlYW0tc3BvcnRzXC9rZW50dWNreS0yMDI1LXJlY3J1aXRzLWVzcG4tdG9wLTEwMC1yYW5raW5nc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Malachi Moreno** – A **dominant center**, ranked No. 25 overall [B](https://saatsports.com/team-sports/kentucky-2025-recruits-espn-top-100-rankings/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2FhdHNwb3J0cy5jb21cL3RlYW0tc3BvcnRzXC9rZW50dWNreS0yMDI1LXJlY3J1aXRzLWVzcG4tdG9wLTEwMC1yYW5raW5nc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Andrija Jelavic** – A **6-foot-11 Croatian big man** with professional experience in Europe [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/kentucky-basketball-adds-another-high-school-recruit-to-next-season-s-team/ar-AA1Fa4yH?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJEUlpNMkx3eG50MTZmS1Y1SHh6UUUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLWFkZHMtYW5vdGhlci1oaWdoLXNjaG9vbC1yZWNydWl0LXRvLW5leHQtc2Vhc29uLXMtdGVhbVwvYXItQUExRmE0eUgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Where Kentucky Ranks Nationally**
Kentucky’s **2025 recruiting class** is currently ranked **No. 7 overall**, according to **On3 Sports** [C](https://ukwildcatswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/recruiting/2025/05/23/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-2025-recruiting-class-ranking/83828208007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiRFJaTTJMd3hudDE2ZktWNUh4elFFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdWt3aWxkY2F0c3dpcmUudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tXC9zdG9yeVwvc3BvcnRzXC9jb2xsZWdlXC9rZW50dWNreVwvcmVjcnVpdGluZ1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcLzIzXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0cy1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtcmVjcnVpdGluZy1jbGFzcy1yYW5raW5nXC84MzgyODIwODAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While the Wildcats have historically been known for landing **top-three recruiting classes**, Pope’s first full recruiting cycle has still delivered a **highly competitive group**.
Kentucky’s ranking is influenced by its **balanced approach**, combining **high school talent with experienced transfers**. The Wildcats have also landed **six key transfers**, including:
– **Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh)**
– **Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama)**
– **Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State)**
– **Kam Williams (Tulane)**
### **Impact on Kentucky’s Future**
With a **deep and versatile roster**, Kentucky is expected to be a **serious contender** in the SEC and beyond. Pope’s ability to **blend young talent with experienced players** ensures that the Wildcats will have **depth at every position**.
While Kentucky’s **2025 class** may not be as star-studded as previous years, it is **strategically built** to compete at the highest level. The Wildcats have prioritized **positional needs, defensive versatility, and long-term development**, setting the stage for a **strong season ahead**.
### **Looking Ahead**
Kentucky’s **recruiting efforts** are still ongoing, and the Wildcats could add another **top-100 prospect** before the cycle ends [B](https://saatsports.com/team-sports/kentucky-2025-recruits-espn-top-100-rankings/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQTFWdFFFWWtkcDRuRmhZeFp2cGNNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiRFJaTTJMd3hudDE2ZktWNUh4elFFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc2FhdHNwb3J0cy5jb21cL3RlYW0tc3BvcnRzXC9rZW50dWNreS0yMDI1LXJlY3J1aXRzLWVzcG4tdG9wLTEwMC1yYW5raW5nc1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With a **top-10 ranking**, a stacked roster, and Pope’s leadership, Kentucky is positioned to **make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament**.
Fans can expect **exciting matchups, high-energy performances, and a renewed focus on championship aspirations** as Kentucky prepares for the **2025-26 season**. The Wildcats may not have the **No. 1 recruiting class**, but they have **one of the most well-rounded and competitive rosters** in college basketball.
Kentucky basketball is **ready to dominate**, and the **2025 recruiting class** is a key piece of that puzzle. The Wildcats are **built for success**, and the future looks **brighter than ever**.
