The Kentucky Wildcats, under the leadership of Coach Mark Pope, continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail. Fresh off landing Malachi Moreno and with positive signs regarding Jasper Johnson, Pope and his staff are setting their sights on another high-profile target.
In a significant development, 2026 four-star recruit Miikka Muurinen has scheduled an official visit to Lexington. Muurinen, a versatile power forward, will visit the University of Kentucky during the weekend of September 14th, coinciding with the Wildcats’ home football game against Georgia.
2026 Top 10 5⭐️ Miika Muurinen (@mmuurinen1) tells me he has visits scheduled this fall to the following schools.
Utah- 9/7
Kentucky- 9/14
Duke- 9/27-9/28📸: @SLAM_HS pic.twitter.com/6sRXAxQTAa
— HS Top Recruits (@HSTopRecruiting) August 25, 2024
Muurinen first caught Coach Pope’s eye during the Nike Peach Jam, where he showcased his scoring ability by averaging nearly 18 points per game. Impressed by his performance, Pope extended an offer to Muurinen in July. Kentucky is set to host Muurinen in the midst of his scheduled visits, which include stops at Utah and Duke.
Muurinen’s ranking varies across recruiting platforms. While 247 Sports lists him as the No. 44 overall prospect and the No. 9 power forward in the 2026 class, On3 ranks him as high as the No. 10 player nationally, making him a consensus four-star prospect. His visit to Lexington is a crucial step as Coach Pope and his staff aim to strengthen their 2026 recruiting class with one of the most promising players in the country.
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