Kentucky Wildcats Make Recruiting Push for Elite Sharpshooter Jacob Webber in Latest Effort to Bolster 2025-26 Roster Depth
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program has long held a reputation for going after the best of the best when it comes to talent on the recruiting trail. From one-and-done NBA lottery picks to transfer portal gems, head coach John Calipari and his staff leave no stone unturned when it comes to building a championship-caliber roster. That tradition continued this week as Kentucky officially reached out to rising shooting guard Jacob Webber—a name rapidly climbing the national rankings and gaining attention from several high-major programs.
Webber, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter out of the Midwest, is considered one of the best pure shooters in the 2025 class. Known for his lightning-quick release, deep shooting range, and ability to knock down threes off movement, Webber has drawn comparisons to former college stars like Klay Thompson and Tyler Herro. The Kentucky coaching staff has reportedly been tracking him for months, but the recent contact signifies that things are getting more serious, and that the Wildcats are preparing to make a strong recruiting pitch.
Sources close to Webber’s camp confirm that assistant coach Chin Coleman made the initial contact, expressing Kentucky’s interest and laying out the vision the program has for Webber’s potential role. The message was clear: the Wildcats are looking for a floor-spacing, high-IQ scorer who can make an immediate impact in a competitive backcourt—and Webber fits that description perfectly.
Jacob Webber’s rise hasn’t been sudden, but it’s been consistent. Over the past year, he’s become one of the most efficient scorers on the EYBL circuit, shooting over 45 percent from three-point range while also showcasing a refined mid-range game and improved ability to finish through contact at the rim. His game is not one-dimensional, either—he’s become a reliable secondary playmaker, moves well without the ball, and has demonstrated a solid understanding of team defense concepts.
At recent showcase events, Webber caught the eye of several scouts and analysts, not just for his stats but for his composure, work ethic, and leadership qualities. Those intangibles have helped set him apart from many of his peers. When you combine his elite shooting stroke with his basketball IQ and coachability, it’s no wonder why top programs are ramping up their pursuit.
For Kentucky, the timing of the outreach is crucial. While the Wildcats already boast a strong foundation of perimeter talent, there’s always room for elite shooting in today’s game—especially given how the college game has evolved to favor spacing, ball movement, and perimeter scoring. Kentucky’s roster is expected to be loaded with athletes, slashing guards, and versatile wings next season, and Webber’s skill set would perfectly complement those types of players.
The staff has reportedly made it clear to Webber that he wouldn’t be coming in just as a role player. They envision him as a key contributor with the green light to shoot, someone who can thrive in both transition and half-court sets. Given how well he performs off screens and hand-offs, Webber could be the kind of player who stretches defenses to their limit, opening driving lanes for teammates and keeping the opposition honest at all times.
Another factor working in Kentucky’s favor is the program’s recent commitment to player development and preparing guards for the NBA. The success stories of Tyler Herro, Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, and Immanuel Quickley are not lost on Webber or his inner circle. Each of those players arrived in Lexington with a reputation for scoring, honed their skills under Calipari’s watch, and eventually became successful professionals. The promise of following that same path is certainly appealing.
Kentucky’s NIL infrastructure is also a draw. With the combination of national exposure, fan engagement, and marketing opportunities, few programs can match the platform the Wildcats offer. While Webber is said to be focused primarily on basketball development and fit, it’s impossible to ignore how NIL now plays a role in the recruitment of top-tier prospects. At Kentucky, standout players are not only developed—they’re elevated, both on and off the court.
The interest in Webber is also a sign that Kentucky is adjusting to the modern game’s demands. While athleticism, defense, and transition play are still hallmarks of Calipari’s system, the increased emphasis on three-point shooting and offensive efficiency is changing the way Kentucky recruits. Webber could be a linchpin in this new era—a player who blends the old-school toughness Kentucky fans love with the new-school offensive skills that win championships.
From Webber’s perspective, Kentucky represents the kind of opportunity few players get. The chance to play in front of over 20,000 fans at Rupp Arena, compete in the SEC, and have every game nationally televised is a dream for most high school athletes. Webber has remained measured in his approach, not rushing his decision and taking the time to evaluate each opportunity with care. However, those close to the situation believe he is intrigued by the Wildcats and the direction the program is heading.
While no visit date has been confirmed yet, talks are reportedly underway to schedule an official visit to Lexington in the coming months. If Webber steps foot on campus, it could be a turning point in his recruitment. The Kentucky staff knows that in-person visits often seal the deal, especially with recruits who value tradition, culture, and resources. The opportunity to walk the halls of the Joe Craft Center, meet with current players, and get a feel for the Big Blue Nation could prove pivotal.
The competition for Webber will be stiff. Schools like Michigan State, Indiana, Virginia, and Kansas have all expressed strong interest, and several are expected to ramp up their pitches in the near future. But Kentucky’s combination of history, development, and exposure gives them a unique advantage. And the Wildcats are hoping to leverage all of it in their effort to land Webber.
For Big Blue Nation, the news of Kentucky’s pursuit of Jacob Webber is yet another reason to be excited about the future. With a strong foundation already in place for 2025–26 and a clear shift toward embracing elite perimeter shooting, adding Webber to the fold would send a strong message: that Kentucky is adapting, evolving, and positioning itself to be a dominant force in the modern game.
If Webber does choose Lexington, the ripple effects could be significant. Not only would he boost the Wildcats’ offensive potential, but his commitment could also attract other top recruits who want to play alongside a guard capable of creating space and knocking down shots under pressure. Team construction in the current era hinges on spacing and chemistry, and Webber’s game checks all the boxes.
As the recruiting cycle continues to intensify and the 2025 class begins to take shape, Jacob Webber’s name will be one to watch. Kentucky has made its move—and now, the waiting game begins. If the Wildcats can secure a visit and continue to build on this early momentum, they could find themselves with one of the most dangerous shooters in the country donning the blue and white next season.
It’s still early in the process, but one thing is clear: Kentucky sees something special in Jacob Webber, and they’re not wasting any time making that known. With the program actively investing in its next generation of stars, the addition of a lights-out shooter like Webber could be just the spark needed to take the Wildcats from contender to champion.
