Kentucky Showing Interest in Qayden Samuels, The No. 15-Ranked Prospect in 2026

Qayden Samuels is a new name to watch for Kentucky. The 2026 four-star guard has recently emerged onto Kentucky’s radar.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound shooting guard from Bishop McNamara (District Heights, MD), has been in contact with Kentucky assistant coach Alvin Brooks III, his mother tells KSR+. Sam Kaysar of LeagueRDY was the first to report the news.

Samuels is currently at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, as well as assistants Alvin Brooks III, Cody Fueger, and Jason Hart, are in attendance.

Sameuls has a wide range of schools in pursuit during his recruitment. Those include Georgetown, Alabama, Syracuse, Villanova, Washington, Virginia Tech, Providence, Florida State, and Kansas. Schools such as Texas, Maryland, Virginia, and NC State were in to see him during the spring.

Qayden Samuels’ Game

Four-star guard Qayden Samuels of Bishop McNamara (MD) is the nation’s No. 15 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Samuels as the No. 30 player overall, the No. 8-ranked shooting guard, and the overall best player in Maryland.

Kentucky’s Offers in the 2026 Class

Kentucky has offered 11 players in the 2026 recruiting class so far. That number is expected to grow. KSR+ is tracking the full list.

• Brandon McCoy: 6-foot-5 CG from St. John Bosco – No. 1 overall
• Tyran Stokes: 6-foot-7 SF from Notre Dame – No. 2 overall
• Christian Collins: 6-foot-8 SF from St. John Bosco: No. 3 overall
• Jordan Smith Jr.: 6-foot-2 SG from Paul VI Catholic – No. 4 overall
• Caleb Holt: 6-foot-5 SG from Prolific Prep – No. 5 overall
• Jason Crowe Jr.: 6-foot-3 SG from Inglewood – No. 6 overall
• Tajh Ariza: 6-foot-8 SF from St. John Bosco – No. 7 overall
• Miikka Muurinen: 6-foot-10 PF from Compass Prep – No. 8 overall
• Ikenna Alozie: 6-foot-2 PG from Dream City Christian – No. 10 overall
• Anthony Thompson: 6-foot-8 SF from Western Reserve – No. 14 overall
• Tay Kinney: 6-foot-2 PG from Overtime Elite – No. 17 overall