While Mark Pope and his coaching staff continue their summer sessions with the current Kentucky Wildcats roster, they’ve also started mapping out their recruitment strategy for the 2026 class. One of the top names on their radar is elite forward Christian Collins.
Widely ranked among the top five prospects in his class, Collins has caught the attention of several powerhouse programs. Schools like Kentucky, Duke, Arkansas, USC, Oregon, and Louisville have already made efforts to connect with the California native. However, Collins told Jamie Shaw of On3 that campus visits aren’t something he’s focused on just yet.
“I haven’t been on any visits yet, nor have I really discussed or scheduled any with schools,” he shared. “Programs like Kentucky, Duke, USC, Arkansas, Oregon, and Louisville have all come to see me during the spring for in-home visits.”
When asked about his thoughts on Kentucky, Collins noted that he’s built a longstanding connection with Wildcats assistant coach Jason Hart.
“I’ve known Coach Hart since my freshman year, so we already have that bond. I’ve also had the chance to work with Coach Pope during a recent session, and I’ve been learning a lot from him,” Collins added.
As for a commitment timeline, Collins stated he’s likely to hold off until the late signing period, meaning no decision is expected in the near future.
Given that he was recently coached by Mark Pope during the U19 tryouts, that experience could give Kentucky a competitive edge in the race to land him.
Although the recruiting battle is still unfolding, it’s clear the Wildcats are firmly in contention for one of the most talented players in the 2026 class.
