Taylen Kinney is the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky, and his recruitment continues to make headlines. On Thursday and Friday, he made an official visit to Louisville, one of many applications actively recruiting him.

The Cardinals made Kinney one in every of their prime priorities within the 2026 class, with Pat Kelsey and his workers monitoring him carefully over the previous yr. They’ve saved tabs on him at stops together with the Additional time Elite program, 3SSB All-American Camp and KABC Titans Shootout.

The coveted level guard posed for a photograph alongside Kelsey, and the second made its means to social media.

Kinney has been one of the vital sought-after prospects throughout the nation. He’s No. 16 prospect and the No. 4 level guard in his class, in accordance to the 247Sports Composite.

Kinney had a dominant 2024-25 season with Rod Wave Elite within the Additional time Elite league, placing up 20.1 factors, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and a pair of.3 steals per sport. He shot 55.6%, together with 33.3% from 3-point vary, establishing himself as one of many league’s prime performers.

On the Adidas 3SSB circuit, he continued to impress, averaging 20.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 4.3 apg with Wildcat Choose.

Louisville already prolonged provides to 23 uncommitted gamers within the Class of 2026, getting ready means forward of schedule.

This system secured three commitments within the 2025 class: four-star forwards Mouhamed Camara and Sananda Fru, and five-star guard Mikel Brown Jr.

UNC additionally in rivalry for Taylen Kinney’s dedication

Louisville might have been the primary program to safe a visit from Taylen Kinney, however there are different colleges additionally attempting to have him over.

One other ACC program, UNC, is a robust contender for the guard’s dedication. Kinney talked about the Tar Heels as a potential vacation spot after receiving a proposal from the varsity in February.

Hubert Davis’ group has additionally began its work within the 2026 class, laying the groundwork on over 10 targets who’re principally five-star prospects.