𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆:* Top-ranked 2026 center Ethan Taylor schedules official visit to Kentucky for Big Blue Madness, signaling Wildcats’ strong position in his recruitment. Taylor, a 7-foot standout from Link Academy, is ranked No. 22 overall in his class. His visit underscores Kentucky’s commitment to securing elite talent under head coach Mark Pope…

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𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Top 2026 Center Ethan Taylor Schedules Official Visit to Kentucky for Big Blue Madness

 

Kentucky basketball continues to make waves on the recruiting trail. The Wildcats secured a major development this week as Ethan Taylor, a top-ranked 7-foot center from Link Academy, announced he will take an official visit to Lexington for Big Blue Madness.

 

Taylor, ranked No. 22 overall in the 2026 class, is widely regarded as one of the premier big men in the country. His combination of size, mobility, and skill has made him a priority target for some of the nation’s top programs, including Duke, Kansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

 

Kentucky’s landing of an official visit — and for one of the program’s biggest annual recruiting showcases — underscores head coach Mark Pope’s aggressive push to secure elite frontcourt talent early in his tenure. Big Blue Madness, which traditionally serves as the kickoff to Kentucky’s basketball season, has long been a pivotal stage for attracting five-star recruits, and Taylor’s presence only raises the stakes.

 

Recruiting experts suggest that Taylor’s decision to include Kentucky so prominently signals that the Wildcats have established a strong position in his recruitment. Known for his polished footwork, rim protection, and developing outside touch, Taylor is expected to be a cornerstone player at the next level — someone capable of anchoring a defense and stretching the floor on offense.

 

For Kentucky, this visit represents more than just another high-profile guest. It’s a statement that Pope’s recruiting strategy is resonating with top-tier prospects. By hosting Taylor during Big Blue Madness, the Wildcats will showcase not only their storied tradition and fan support but also the program’s vision for the future.

 

As the 2026 recruiting cycle begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Lexington to see how Kentucky capitalizes on this momentum. If Pope can secure a commitment from Taylor, it would be a defining early victory in establishing his era as one of both innovation and dominance on the recruiting trail.

 

Bottom line: Ethan Taylor’s upcoming visit is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a sign that Kentucky is firmly in the mix for one of the most impactful big men of the 2026 class.

 

 

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