Caleb Holt, one of the nation’s most sought-after basketball prospects, continues to climb the ranks. The 6-foot-5 guard from Huntsville, Alabama, currently holds the No. 5 spot nationally in the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings and sits at No. 2 for his position. Known for his elite athleticism and high-energy play style, Holt has developed a reputation as a game-changer—someone whose relentless effort can lift any team’s championship hopes. That impact was on full display when Team USA added him to their roster for the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Switzerland.
While Holt may not light up the scoreboard every trip down the floor or be known for streaky outside shooting, his presence is always felt. His effort on both ends of the court leaves a lasting impression.
“My motor is something I take pride in—I just don’t stop,” Holt said during a recent conversation with KSR at USA Basketball Training Camp in Colorado Springs. “I’m always coming at you, whether I’m on offense or defense. I wear people down with my energy. That’s what makes me different.”
That constant energy and versatility are part of why nearly every top program in college basketball is trying to land him—including Kentucky.
Holt described his recruitment as going well, with more official campus visits planned between August and October. So far, he’s taken an official to Ole Miss in April and had previous unofficial stops at Houston and Georgia Tech.
Reflecting on the Ole Miss visit, Holt said, “It went really well. I got to build a relationship with Coach Chris Beard. He’s shown a lot of belief in me and in my game. He’s talking about me coming in and making an impact, helping change the program.”
Aside from Ole Miss, Holt mentioned Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, Kentucky, Baylor, and Kansas as the schools pursuing him the hardest right now. Those programs are likely to be next on his visit list this fall.
“Those are the schools that come to mind first,” he noted. “They’re the ones making me feel like a top priority.”
Kentucky’s push for Holt got an extra boost thanks to an unexpected connection: Mark Pope, the Wildcats’ new head coach, worked directly with him during the USA Basketball Training Camp in Colorado Springs. Their relationship had already started to build, with Pope meeting Holt twice last September and again in April. Now, the two were able to spend time on the court together.
“Coach Pope definitely wants me at Kentucky. He’s made that clear,” Holt shared. “I’ve been in contact with Jason Hart too, and now that Pope was one of my USA coaches, I’ve gotten to know him even more. He’s a coach who believes in my ability—he thinks I can play multiple positions and affect the game in different ways.”
Holt added that Pope’s belief in him extends beyond college success.
“My ultimate goal is to hear my name called in the NBA Draft, and Coach Pope believes he can help me get there.”
Pope’s coaching at Training Camp left a strong impression on Holt, especially with how the Kentucky coach trusted him with important roles on the court and drew up plays that fit his strengths. That trust showed Holt exactly how Pope envisions using him at the next level in Lexington.
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