2026 Rankings Update: The Top Ten
In this article:
The 2026 class is starting their Sophomore season and their 15u AAU seasons are already behind them. This class is deep and talented and several players already have D1 offers and several have multiple offers. This class has had a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2026 class is starting their Sophomore season and their 15u AAU seasons are already behind them. This class is deep and talented and several players already have D1 offers and several have multiple offers. This class has had a big summer, collectively and the group is becoming harder to rank already. Here’s a look at the top ten ranked prospects in this update.
Johnson retains the top spot in the 2026 class but there are several prospects who are closing in on him. Jayden is a big wing shooter who has become much more comfortable as a driver over the last few years as he’s grown and gotten stronger. The 6’5 wing already holds several Power 5 D1 offers and holds a ton of long term potential.
Weis moves up to the number 2 spot in the rankings and is closing in on the top spot thanks to his size, length and athleticism. Gabe has improved a ton in the last twelve months and his frame is starting to fill out as he’s adding muscle. An explosive athlete at 6’6, if Gabe grows a couple more inches, he will earn even more Power 5 offers.
Highlights
Kinney is a player that I’ve seen in high school and AAU settings probably a dozen times or more by now but I still have yet to see a bad performance from him. But I’ve also not yet seen a game that left me super impressed. He’s got a lot of tools and is being recruited at a high level. Also a hard worker, Tay will only get better as his career moves on.
Surratt has quietly become one of the most explosive athletes in this class. DeMarcus is a long guard who has the capability to lock down opposing points and can switch across multiple positions. His jumper needs to become more consistent from the perimeter but Surratt has big time potential, long term.
Highlights
Turner is another player who shows flashes of what he can be and will be a monster once he puts it all together. James is long and athletic. An above average rim protector whose offense is coming along. Already holding several mid major D1 offers, Turner’s long term potential could be off the charts if he gets comfortable playing more of a big wing as opposed to an undersized post.
Watkins is a big body who has fluctuated up and down the rankings over the last year or so as his production on the court has been up and down as well. DeAaron transferred to Daviess County this summer and could see a big Sophomore season if the DC staff can get his motor running all the time. He definitely passes the eye test.
Walker is a big time shooter who excels in catch and shoot situations but is continuing to improve and get more comfortable attacking the paint and getting to the rim. Craig can be a little tentative at times and once he figures out the right level of offensive aggressiveness, the 6’6 wing will have D1 schools showing up at Rockcastle County games.
Jeremiah is a player on this list who I would definitely want on my team in a one game scenario where it was a must win for me. He just competes at a high level, every trip out. Jackson is a wing whose handle is improving but his jumpshot is fluid and mechanics are good. He rebounds well for his position and his long term upside is a D1 player, in my opinion.
Like Jackson, Cole is a player I’m taking in a must win scenario. And Edelen may be my top pick in such a case. Cole plays every weekend he can and has played with a million different teams but regardless of what his jersey says, Edelen shows up and shoots the cover off the ball, every game. There may not be a better shot maker in Kentucky, period.
Spurlock vs Edelen in a shooting competition would probably sell tickets. Two of the best long range snipers in Kentucky for sure. Jacob had a big AAU season with Indiana Elite and seems to have reigned in some of his issues with shot selection that I saw a year ago. College basketball continues to place an emphasis on shooting and Spurlock is one of the best around in 2026. It won’t be long before some offers come around.