BREAKING: No. 3 Overall 2026 4-Star Guard Joseph Hartman. Commits to Kentucky Men’s Basketball
In a major recruiting victory for the Kentucky Wildcats, 4-star guard Joseph Hartman, the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class, has officially committed to John Calipari and the Kentucky men’s basketball program.
Hartman, a 6-foot-4 dynamic combo guard from California, made his announcement via social media on Tuesday morning, confirming what had been rumored for weeks. With offers from powerhouse programs like Duke, Kansas, and Michigan State, Hartman’s decision marks a significant win for Kentucky as they continue to reestablish their dominance in high school recruiting.
“I chose Kentucky because of the winning culture, the development, and the opportunity to play against the best every day,” Hartman said in a statement. “Coach Cal believes in me, and I believe in what he’s building.”
Hartman is widely regarded as one of the most polished guards in his class. He’s known for his elite shot creation, basketball IQ, and defensive intensity. His court vision and ability to control the pace of the game have drawn comparisons to former Kentucky stars like Tyrese Maxey and De’Aaron Fox.
Scouts rave about his versatility — Hartman can play both guard spots, make plays off the dribble, and knock down shots from beyond the arc with consistency. His frame and athleticism also make him a strong perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions.
For Kentucky, Hartman’s commitment signals a return to form on the recruiting trail. After a few years of inconsistent recruiting classes, the Wildcats are once again landing top-tier talent early in the cycle. Hartman is the first commit in Kentucky’s 2026 class but is expected to be a centerpiece around which Calipari builds a top-ranked group.
“This is a statement get,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Hartman is a winner, a competitor, and someone who can lead a program. Kentucky got themselves a future star.”
With Hartman on board, Kentucky is expected to make a strong push for other top 2026 prospects, including five-star wing Elijah Norris and dominant center Malik Dorsey. If the early momentum continues, the Wildcats could be on track to land the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.
The 2026 recruiting cycle is just heating up, but Joseph Hartman’s commitment has already sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. For Big Blue Nation, the message is clear: Kentucky is back, and they’re coming for titles.