Five-Star SG Caleb Holt Reschedules Official Visit with Kentucky Amid Heightened Recruitment Frenzy
In a twist that has stirred the already heated waters of college basketball recruiting, five-star shooting guard Caleb Holt has officially rescheduled his much-anticipated official visit with the University of Kentucky. Originally slated for early August, Holt’s visit was postponed due to scheduling conflicts tied to Team USA U18 training camp, where he has been a standout performer.
Now, Holt is set to arrive in Lexington the weekend of September 13th, aligning perfectly with Kentucky’s annual Blue-White Showcase. The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Holt, a 6’5″ phenom from Buckhorn High School in Alabama, is the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. His athleticism, elite shot creation, and two-way intensity have drawn comparisons to NBA star Devin Booker — ironically, another Kentucky product.
Sources close to Holt’s camp say the rescheduling was not a sign of hesitation but a matter of “maximizing the experience.” “Caleb wants to soak in everything Kentucky has to offer,” said one of Holt’s advisors, speaking anonymously. “Coach Pope has been relentless, and this new date lets Caleb see the team chemistry, fan energy, and academic side with no distractions.”
The Wildcats, now under second-year head coach Mark Pope, are pulling out all the stops. According to insiders, the coaching staff has designed a weekend experience that includes a film session breaking down Holt’s game alongside NBA clips, a one-on-one workout with strength coach Brady Welsh, and dinner with former Kentucky greats like De’Aaron Fox and Jamal Murray — both of whom will be in town for the showcase.
Holt’s recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, and Tennessee are all in heavy pursuit, and Duke recently made waves by offering him during an unofficial visit in June. Still, Kentucky has momentum. Pope’s pitch has centered around building a new-era Kentucky — one where elite recruits play a central role in a modern, positionless offense designed for pro development.
“The buzz is real,” said basketball analyst Corey Evans. “Holt rescheduling isn’t a soft sign — it’s a sign Kentucky’s still firmly in the driver’s seat.”
Fans are already mobilizing. Social media platforms lit up after Holt reposted a photo of Rupp Arena on his Instagram story with the caption, “Let’s run it back — unfinished business.” The post racked up over 50,000 likes in 24 hours.
As Holt’s visit nears, the stakes continue to rise. Kentucky hasn’t landed a top-5 player since the class of 2022, but insiders believe that could change soon. If Pope can close on Holt, it would send a powerful message: Kentucky is not just rebuilding — it’s reloading with firepower.
For now, all eyes are on Lexington. September can’t come soon enough.
