2026 Rankings: The Top Ten
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With their freshman seasons over with and their AAU seasons started, it’s time to update the 2026 class rankings. There are some super talented players at the top of the list and several others lower down the ranking that have…
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Continue ReadingWith their freshman seasons over with and their AAU seasons started, it’s time to update the 2026 class rankings. There are some super talented players at the top of the list and several others lower down the ranking that have massive long term potential. Here’s a look at the updated top 10 freshmen in Kentucky.
Thus far, Johnson has had a vice grip on the top spot in the class and has had a lot of accolades to come along with it. He’s been invited to Team USA minicamp and holds multiple high major D1 offers. A big wing shooter, Jayden has a lot of tools. But he will need to continue evolving to show that he’s capable of holding off what is a very talented 2026 class in Kentucky and maintaining his top spot.
Watkins has the most long term potential in the class at this time. DeAaron is long and athletic and has shown the ability to play around the bucket or step out and shoot or put it on the floor. With his God given abilities, Watkins projects as a high major prospect in the 2026 class and has the potential to be a national top 50-100 recruit.
Kinney’s game has started to evolve as he’s gotten more athletic in the last year or so. Tay is a good shooter and has a noticeable skill level. The only drawback I’ve seen thus far is that he plays primarily off the ball in high school and his recruitment will be completely different if he’s a shooting guard and not a point.
Gabe is long and athletic and plays with a great motor. Standing 6’6 and still growing, Weis is the type of player who takes pride in trying to dunk everything he can get his hands on. His perimeter skills need to keep improving so he can transition to playing as a big wing or face up big. Gabe is another player whose long term potential has him in the mix to be a top 100 kid nationally in 2026.
Highlights
Another player with a massive amount of potential, Surratt is bouncy and has a high IQ that he showcases with above average passing. Capable of playing on or off the ball, DeMarcus has the sort of length and athleticism that colleges covet and has long term potential as a big guard who can lock down on defense when he wants to.
Highlights
James is a dunking machine who plays primarily in the dunker’s spot at Newport. Potential wise, Turner should be mentioned right along with Watkins and Weis as tops in the class thanks to his athleticism. The next step in his development is going to be transitioning out to the wing and showing that he is comfortable with the ball in his hands away from the paint.
Jackson has the strongest body of the group at this time and he showed that he can bully opponents when he wants to. Jeremiah is a solid shooter when he gets perimeter looks and plays with a pretty good motor. If Jeremiah can stretch another inch or two, he’ll be coveted as a two way wing who could be ideal as a 3 and D prospect.
Walker had some big scoring games in his freshman season and ended up averaging 16 points per game on 46-42-82 shooting splits. He could still grow another inch or two and then he’ll really be a problem for opposing teams to deal with. Long term, Craig needs to learn to love the weight room and add some bulk to his otherwise wiry frame.
The best shooter in the class and one of the best in the state overall, Cole has already started to build a legacy with his play at Rupp Arena last month. Edelen should take over the point guard spot full time next season at Male after playing off the ball next to his older brother this season. His potential as a college prospect depends on how much he grows but Cole is already an elite shooter.
Luke has been hovering in the top 5-10 of this class for years but will need to raise his game to another level to stay in that group. Fawns is a big wing who can play above the rim but can also settle for threes too often on offense. After averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds this season, Luke will be learning a new system with a new coach as a Sophomore. With the physical tools that Fawns has, he should be a difference maker in the 10th region and get on college radars soon.