5-star Kentucky signee Jayden Quaintance requests release from NLI

First it was Karter Knox, now it’s Jayden Quaintance.

On Wednesday afternoon, according to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim and multiple reports, Quaintance has asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent with the Wildcats. The 6-foot-10 Quaintance is a five-star prospect from the class of 2024 ranked No. 8 overall by the On3 Industry Ranking. The McDonald’s All-American originally committed to Kentucky back in November over Missouri.

This news comes on the heels of John Calipari officially accepting the Arkansas head coaching job on Wednesday morning. Quaintance could certainly stick around with Kentucky once a new head coach is named — and there is an expectation he will still consider UK — but as of now, he’ll reopen his recruitment.

Quaintance, who is required to play two seasons post-high school before going pro, was the top-ranked commit for Kentucky in this recruiting cycle. He’s now the second future ‘Cat to back off his decision after Knox did the same on Monday.

As things currently stand, UK now has four commits locked in for the 2024-25 season: four-star PG Boogie Fland, four-star C Somto Cyril, four-star SF Billy Richmond, and four-star PG Travis Perry.

Of note: Quaintance was recruited by the previous Arkansas staff before committing to Kentucky. He also held an offer from Baylor head coach Scott Drew, who is being reported as a top candidate to replace Calipari in Lexington.