Kentucky makes first list cut for 2026 5-star wing Anthony Thompson

Anthony Thompson was one of the first class of 2026 recruits to hear from Mark Pope and the new coaching staff at Kentucky. Several months later, the two sides remain in regular contact.

On Friday, Thompson announced via social media that he’s “down” to a list of 15 top schools. Kentucky made the cut, as did North Carolina, BYU, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue, Notre Dame, Auburn, Indiana, Georgetown, Louisville, Kansas, Texas, and Xavier.

Thompson is considered the No. 14 overall junior in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The 6-foot-8 small forward (with a 7-foot-2 wingspan) from Western Reserve (Lebanon, OH) has already taken multiple trips to Lexington since the fall. Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger stopped in to see him for a visit earlier this week.

15.@IndianaEliteIE pic.twitter.com/aZWlgzXMql

— Anthony Thompson (@ant_thompson26) April 25, 2025

Thompson received his Kentucky offer while visiting UK for Big Blue Madness back in October. He returned to campus in January to watch the Wildcats take down eventual national champion Florida inside Rupp Arena. Contact has not slowed down since.

“It was good to go there and see it in person,” Thompson told On3’s Jamie Shaw in February. “This was my first trip there, so it was good to see how they played in game and their play style live. I was watching their wings and what they do with Koby Brea and Jaxon Robinson. They’re both shooters so I was able to see in person what they did.

“I talk with the staff a lot. We call or text often. Coach Pope is a great person and coach. He’s very positive and there for his players. He is a player’s coach, and always there to help out.”

An official visit to Kentucky is likely to happen sometime this summer. Thompson might be considering 15 schools, but the Wildcats are clearly among the top half of that group.

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