"A superstar": Kentucky HC Mark Pope raves about 5-star recruit Jasper Johnson as he arrives at Lexington

Jasper Johnson is one of the most highly anticipated prospects heading into next season. He signed with the Kentucky Wildcats and will join coach Mark Pope in Lexington for the 2025-26 season.

According to the 247Sports composite rankings, he is a five-star recruit and the No. 21-ranked player in the nation. ESPN has him as the No. 18-ranked player in his class. As a result, it should not be surprising that Pope is excited to have Johnson join his team. On Thursday, BBN Tonight played a clip of Pope raving about his newest addition.

"Listen, I think Jasper Johnson is a superstar," Pope said. "I expect him to come in here and be great. For every freshman, there is a learning curve in terms of the physicality and intensity of the game."

"The relentless and physical intensity of the game but Jasper Johnson has got a really incredible skill set. There's very few players that can go get a shot whenever they want it and he can do it."

Mark Pope continued to speak with excitement about Jasper Johnson joining the Kentucky Wildcats.

"He has an ability to get skinny and do things defensively that are going to be surprising," Pope said. "I think he's got an incredible upside on the defensive side of the ball also. I think he's got a crafty, slippery nature when you get downhill."

"He's got a poise about him. He's a little bit unflappable. He's able to metabolize a lot of input and keep himself even-keeled. I think he's a great shotmaker. I expect him to be great. He needs to come in here and be great. That's what he wants to do, that's what we want from him."

Jasper Johnson is the leading member of a strong recruiting class for Kentucky

Jasper Johnson is the highest-ranked recruit in Kentucky's 2025 recruiting class. However, he is not the only high-profile prospect joining the team. He is joined by Malachi Moreno, who, according to 247Sports composite rankings, is the No. 25-ranked player in the nation and a five-star recruit. According to ESPN, he is the No. 26-ranked player in the nation.

Additionally, the Wildcats have signed four-star Braydon Hawthorne. With those three players joining the team, coach Mark Pope will have an impressive collection of young talent to work with next season. The team will be trying to improve on their Sweet 16 finish in March Madness this past season.