Taylen “Tay” Kinney, one of the top basketball prospects in the Class of 2026, continues to draw major attention as his college decision approaches. The 6-foot-2 point guard from Newport, Kentucky, has become the centerpiece of an intense recruiting battle between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.
Kinney, who now plays for Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta, has established himself as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Known for his quickness, ball-handling, and three-level scoring ability, Kinney is considered a consensus top-30 national prospect. Recruiting services like On3 and 247Sports rank him among the best point guards in the country, and he’s widely regarded as the top in-state player for Kentucky’s 2026 class.
In late June 2025, Kinney took an official visit to Kentucky, meeting with head coach Mark Pope and his staff. The visit allowed Kinney to reconnect with former high school rival and current Kentucky commit Jasper Johnson. Kinney has publicly expressed respect for Pope’s vision for the program and appreciated the atmosphere in Lexington. His family also has ties to the University of Kentucky, which many assumed could help the Wildcats in his recruitment.
However, Louisville remains a major contender. Head coach Pat Kelsey and his staff have made Kinney a top priority. Reports from recruiting analysts suggest Louisville may currently hold a slight edge, thanks in part to Kinney’s existing Adidas NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, which aligns with Louisville’s Adidas sponsorship. The Cardinals have also created a strong relationship with Kinney and his camp, offering a clear path to early playing time.
Both programs offer appealing opportunities. Kentucky, with its strong NBA pipeline and national spotlight, continues to be a dream school for many in-state prospects. Louisville, meanwhile, offers a fast-rising program under Kelsey, with a playing style that fits Kinney’s aggressive, up-tempo game.
Kinney has said he plans to announce his decision before the start of his senior high school season this fall. He’s also scheduled or considering visits to other schools, including Oregon, Arkansas, and Indiana, but most insiders still expect the decision to come down to Kentucky or Louisville.
As the summer progresses, both fanbases will continue monitoring Kinney’s recruitment closely. For Kentucky, landing the top in-state guard would be a significant win for Coach Pope’s first full recruiting cycle. For Louisville, it could mark a major in-state recruiting victory under Coach Kelsey. The countdown to Kinney’s decision is officially on.
