2026 In-State SG Jayden Johnson: ‘Every Kid From Kentucky Would Love to Have that Kentucky Offer’
When Mark Pope was hired as Kentucky’s head coach, he emphasized that there would be a focus on in-state recruiting. Early on in his tenure, that’s already proving to be the case.
Jayden Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooting guard from Trinity (Bowling Green, KY), was among one of three in-state 2026 prospects to be contacted by Kentucky’s new staff after the June 15 contact period. Johnson told KSR+ that he received a text from UK assistant coach Cody Fueger.
“He said they have a high interest in recruiting me over the next couple of years,” Johnson said.
Being contacted by the coaches at Kentucky is not something that’s taken lightly by Johnson. It’s something he’s been waiting for.
“Every kid from Kentucky would love to have that Kentucky offer and be able to play in that arena,” he said. “I’ve been playing there since eighth grade in the state championship. Just being able to have that interest or offer one day would be awesome.”
Hoping to Visit Soon
Jayden Johnson has already visited Kentucky’s campus on several occasions, most recently attending UK’s win over Arkansas on March 2. With a new staff in charge, Johnson is excited to see what they can do.
“I’m seeing what Mark Pope can do so far in his first year here,” Johnson said. “I want to see how he holds that Kentucky name and keeps them playing hard.”
Johnson said he’s working to continue cultivating the relationship with the new UK staff. He said he’ll “hopefully get on campus soon.”
“I haven’t gotten the chance to formally meet them, but I’m excited just to be able to get the relationship going and to know them formally,” Johnson said. “It’s pretty cool to have an alumnus as the coach now. I want to see how he takes that role as the new head coach and how he coaches that team. They should be a great team this year.”
A Busy June Contact Period
Kentucky wasn’t the only school to contact 2026 Jayden Johnson on June 15. He’s already heard from the likes of Louisville, Marquette, Arkansas, and Indiana, among others.
“My phone has been blowing up lately,” Johnson said. “Just being able to talk to these new coaches, have them contact me, text, and call me all the time, it’s pretty cool. It’s an experience that every kid would love to have.”
Johnson doesn’t have any upcoming visits planned. Those could come as soon as next month.
“I’ll probably take some in July and August,” he said, listing Kentucky, Louisville, Notre Dame, USC, and Arizona State as schools he wants to visit.
Johnson is looking at a number of factors while considering his options. First and foremost, he wants a family environment.
“I want them showing me how much they want me to play at their school, having a close relationship with the coaching staff and the players,” he said. “I want to come in my freshman year, develop, and play.”
Jayden Johnson’s Game
Four-star forward Jayden Johnson of Trinity (KY) is the nation’s No. 41 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media services. On3 ranks Johnson as the No. 46 player overall, the No. 11-ranked shooting guard, and the overall best player in Kentucky.
“I’ve been able to push myself with Mokan and play all five positions on the court [this summer],” Johnson said. “Getting stronger and more athletic have been my goals this summer and year. I want to play up and down the court faster, play above the rim more, and all those aspects of the game.”
Johnson is listed as a shooting guard, but calls himself a “versatile 6-5 wing.” He believes he can play all five positions on the floor.
“I’m just a great kid from Kentucky,” he said. “Every kid dreams about playing in Rupp Arena in front of X amount of fans. Being able to have the opportunity is awesome.”
The post 2026 In-State SG Jayden Johnson: ‘Every Kid From Kentucky Would Love to Have that Kentucky Offer’ appeared first on On3.
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