A storm of anticipation is gathering over Lexington as four‑star small forward Cole Cloer confirms his official visit to Kentucky on September 17–18, 2025. The 6‑foot‑7, 185‑pound prospect from IMG Academy solidifies Kentucky’s presence in his recruitment, joining a loaded slate of powerhouse schools in the mix .
Who is Cole Cloer?
Recognized as one of the top wings in the 2026 recruiting class, Cloer ranked among the nation’s top 15 small forwards by ESPN and Rivals and sits inside the top 30 overall on the 247Sports list . His reputation? That of a lethal spot‑up shooter, with Peach Jam summer league performances underlining both his scoring touch and his developmental ceiling .
Official Visit Itinerary: Where UK Fits In
Cloer’s upcoming OV schedule reads like a who’s‑who of blue‑blood basketball programs:
NC State (Aug. 29–31)
Florida (Sept. 5–7)
Kentucky (Sept. 17–18)
North Carolina (Oct. 10–12)
Alabama (Oct. 17–19)
And visits to UConn and Arkansas yet to be dated
Set amid the backdrop of Kentucky’s fall recruiting blitz, Cloer’s official trip arrives at a critical juncture in UK’s pitch schedule .
What This Visit Means
Kentucky’s pursuit of Cloer is strategic: they’re courting a wing who brings elite shooting floor spacing, size, and potential to create off the bounce. With offers from UNC, UConn, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Louisville, Oregon, Tennessee, and NC State—Cloer’s recruitment is widely viewed as national in scope .
While Kentucky was a late entry into the race—only offering in mid‑July 2025—they immediately earned high placement in Cloer’s consideration set .
This visit represents more than a recruiting check box. For Cloer, it’s an immersive chance to see the storied UK program up close during early season atmosphere and access to coaching staff, facilities, and fan culture firsthand. For the Wildcats, it’s an opportunity to propel Cloer to the forefront of their recruiting class and demonstrate how he fits their system both on and off the court.
✨ Style & Substance: Cloer’s Game on Display
While Cloer’s reputation centers on his shooting prowess, deeper evaluation shows a player growing into a more all‑around offensive weapon. At Peach Jam, he averaged 15.3 points on 38.5% in scoring, though 3-point marks dipped to 31.3%—evidence of potential growth in movement shooting, off-the-dribble creation, and defensive polish .
With Kentucky’s emphasis on development and guard‑driven motion offense, Cloer could find a perfect partner for his evolution—transitioning from “shooter” to multi‑dimensional wing.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky’s late push for Cloer now hinges on the September campus experience. Will the Big Blue Madness energy, the coaching pitch, and the camaraderie elevate UK in his mind? That decision will crystallize after Sept. 18.
Meanwhile, every visit on his schedule—from Florida’s fast‑paced brand to UNC’s prestige and Alabama’s recent rise—will present Cloer with contrasting visions of college life. UK’s task: make the halls of Lexington feel like home.
Cloer’s visit isn’t just another recruiting milestone—it’s a moment for Kentucky to define itself in his mind. Expect UK to roll out the red carpet, showcase its player track record, and stake a bold claim in a recruitment that increasingly feels like a referendum on program identity.
Whatever unfolds by mid‑October, one thing is clear: Cole Cloer is a premier get for any school—and Kentucky has put itself in prime position to become his destination.
