Just in: Braydon Hawthorne Commits to Kentucky in Surprise Recruiting Win Mark Pope lands a late-rising 6’9” wing with elite length and untapped potential. Hawthorne, ranked No. 33 in the 2026 class, gives Kentucky another high-upside weapon. His commitment adds depth now and sets up future roster stability for the Wildcats.

Just when it seemed like Kentucky’s 2025-26 basketball roster was finalized, head coach Mark Pope pulled off another surprise move. Initially, Braydon Hawthorne flew under the radar. The focus of Big Blue Nation was on the transfer portal, especially after major additions like Mo Dioubate and Jayden Quaintance. Hawthorne, a high school recruit who had previously committed to West Virginia, barely registered with fans during his official visit to Lexington. But what started as a quiet development may become a key storyline. Hawthorne, a late-blooming prospect with minimal fanfare, took visits to several programs including Duke, Pitt, and Virginia Tech. Though Kentucky didn’t appear to have much momentum in his recruitment, the team’s solid roster gave little reason for concern until it became clear Pope wasn’t done building.

Even as Braydon Hawthorne’s commitment announcement approached, there was little certainty about which school he would choose. Behind the scenes, Mark Pope made a timely and strategic push that ultimately paid off, sealing the deal for Kentucky at just the right moment.

Hawthorne brings rare physical traits to the Wildcats, standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan a guard who has grown into a dynamic wing player. While he emerged late in the recruiting cycle and wasn’t initially on many radars, his potential is undeniable. Though he may not make an immediate impact, the long-term outlook for his development at Kentucky is promising.

Despite his “under-the-radar” reputation, Hawthorne hasn’t gone unnoticed by recruiting experts. He’s currently ranked No. 35 in the 2026 class by On3 and No. 33 by 247Sports. Known for his shot-making ability, he’s still developing physically and will benefit from time in Kentucky’s strength and conditioning program.

Hawthorne’s commitment adds even more depth to an already stacked Kentucky roster. More significantly, it gives the Wildcats a high-upside wing who could step into a bigger role in the 2026-27 season after a year of growth and experience in the system. His addition also reduces pressure on the next recruiting cycle, providing stability and future options at a key position.

For a full breakdown of what Hawthorne brings to the table and how he fits into Kentucky’s broader plans, recruiting analyst Jack Pilgrim offers detailed insight into why this commitment is another strong move by Mark Pope and his staff.