Kentucky makes list cut for 5-star 2026 SF Anthony Thompson

Kentucky remains in the mix for one of the top rising high school seniors in the country.

According to On3’s Joe Tipton, five-star wing Anthony Thompson has trimmed down his list of top schools from a top 15 to just seven. Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, Texas, Ohio State, and North Carolina all made the cut. A 6-foot-8 native of Ohio, Thompson is considered the No. 8 overall class of 2026 prospect by the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Thompson has yet to publicly announce any official visits, but he has taken unofficial visits to Kentucky (multiple times), Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State over the last year. Jacob Polacheck of KSR+ reports that an OV to Lexington has not yet been set, although the expectation is that one will be scheduled for the later in the year.

“We talk constantly, I’ll say probably every week,” Thompson told KSR earlier this month when asked about Kentucky. “We just talked about hopefully getting me on (campus) for a visit, but continue to talk to me about how I fit into the program.”

Thompson primarily hears from Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger.

NEWS: 5⭐️ Anthony Thompson is down to seven schools, agent Nate Conley of Court XIV tells @Rivals.

The 6-8 small forward is a top-10 recruit in the 2026 class. https://t.co/LtTox2V5W2 pic.twitter.com/2extOPG4Pc

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 24, 2025

Thompson was one of the more impactful players throughout this year’s AAU season. Suiting up for Indiana Elite on the adidas 3SSB circuit, he was productive at every stop. During the adidas 3SSB Championships a couple of weeks ago, where KSR was able to see him in action, he was among the event’s top performers. Thompson averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.3 assists, and one block per outing. He topped 30 or more points in four of his six games played.

With plenty of size and raw talent, there is a lot to like about Thompson’s long-term potential on both ends of the floor. His outside shot continues to improve, as well, an area of his game that the Kentucky staff has been hitting on while recruiting him.

“Obviously, they play through bigs a lot,” Thompson said of Kentucky’s play style. “It helps a lot their perimeter guys, so they’ve been pitching to me kind of a Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea type of player like they were last year.”

Thompson has said a commitment announcement is likely to come around October or November, soon after he wraps up all of his official visits. Heading into the home stretch of his recruitment, Kentucky has positioned itself well.

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