Malachi Moreno : GEORGETOWN — In a major boost for Kentucky basketball, Malachi Moreno has officially committed to the Wildcats for the 2025 recruiting class. Moreno, a towering 7-footer and one of the premier prospects in Kentucky, made his announcement on Friday morning during a ceremony at Great Crossing High School.

The commitment marks Moreno as the first member of Kentucky’s 2025 class, setting the stage for a potentially stellar recruiting cycle. Despite offers from some of the nation’s most prestigious programs, including Arkansas, Indiana, Louisville, Iowa, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Notre Dame, Moreno chose to stay close to home. His decision to play for Coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats underscores his strong connection to the Bluegrass State, with Great Crossing High School being just a short drive from Lexington, less than 15 miles south along I-75.

Moreno’s commitment is a significant win for Kentucky. A consensus four-star recruit across major scouting services—Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN—Moreno is ranked as the No. 26 player nationally in the 2025 class and the No. 2 center. Notably, he is also recognized as the top prospect in Kentucky for his class by the 247Sports Composite rankings.

This development is expected to invigorate Kentucky’s recruiting efforts and add considerable depth to their future roster. Moreno’s blend of size and skill will be a valuable asset for the Wildcats as they look to maintain their elite status in college basketball.

Stay tuned for updates on this story and more details on Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class.

For more Kentucky sports news, reach out to reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] or follow him on X at @RyanABlack.