The Kentucky Wildcats continue their recruiting hot streak under head coach Mark Pope, landing a massive commitment from 5-star guard **Jordan Smith**, one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2025 class. Smith, a dynamic 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Montverde Academy (FL), announced his pledge to Kentucky on Monday afternoon, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Kansas, Alabama, and Arizona.
Ranked as one of the top guards in the nation, Smith brings elite athleticism, playmaking ability, and defensive intensity — a combination that makes him a perfect fit for Pope’s fast-paced system. With his commitment, Kentucky secures another key building block in what is shaping up to be a nationally elite 2025 recruiting class.
“Coach Pope and the staff made me feel like a priority from day one,” Smith said during his announcement. “They’ve shown they believe in my game, and I believe in their vision. Playing in front of Big Blue Nation and being part of a program with so much tradition is a dream come true.”
Smith has been on Kentucky’s radar for over a year, with assistant coach Cody Fueger playing a pivotal role in building a strong relationship with both Smith and his family. The coaching staff emphasized how Smith would be utilized as both a primary ball-handler and a scorer, giving him freedom to create and attack — similar to the roles Pope designed for his guards at BYU.
On the court, Smith is known for his explosiveness, court vision, and defensive prowess. He thrives in transition, finishes strong at the rim, and has shown improvement as a perimeter shooter. His ability to guard multiple positions also makes him an asset on the defensive end. Analysts project him as a potential one-and-done talent with NBA upside.
“He’s a game-changer,” said one national scout. “Smith is a true two-way guard who can take over games. He competes on every possession and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Kentucky’s getting a star.”
For Coach Pope, Smith’s commitment is a major statement in his first full recruiting cycle as Kentucky’s head coach. After taking over the program and navigating a whirlwind offseason, Pope has reenergized the fan base with strong recruiting results and a modern approach to team-building. Securing a 5-star like Smith proves Pope’s staff can still attract elite talent to Lexington — even in the NIL-driven, transfer-heavy era of college hoops.
Smith joins fellow top-50 prospect Jasper Johnson in Kentucky’s 2025 class, giving the Wildcats one of the most talented backcourts in the country for the future. More commitments could be on the way soon, as the program is also in the mix for 5-star wings Meleek Thomas and Caleb Wilson.
With Jordan Smith’s pledge, Kentucky basketball is sending a clear message to the rest of college basketball: the Wildcats are not going anywhere. Under Mark Pope’s leadership, the program is poised to continue its legacy of excellence — with a new generation of stars ready to shine in Lexington.