3-star LB Jaiden Braker says Kentucky is 'high on the list' following official visit

Kentucky welcomed a talented group of high school recruits to Lexington over the weekend for official visits. Among the bunch was three-star linebacker Jaiden Braker, who has the Wildcats in his top six with a decision not too far away.

KSR spoke with Braker on Monday to get the latest on where Kentucky stands. While on campus, he was able to tour the facilities and hang out with a couple of recruits who were also officially visiting, namely EDGE Nicholas Smith (who committed to Kentucky on Friday) and four-star defensive lineman Kalen Edwards.

“It was real nice,” Braker said about his time at UK. “Met the staff and everything. Real cool staff. I love the defense they run and everything. I feel like I can thrive there.”

WILL BE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY THIS WEEKEND‼️@BCWright52 @UKFootball @RecruitGeorgia @On3sports @RecruitGeorgia @CoachC_Collins @CoachWhiteFB pic.twitter.com/hONDKFSjGy

— Jaiden Braker (6’4 215) (@jaidenbraker_11) June 20, 2024

Leading this recruitment is defensive coordinator Brad White, who views Braker as a Mike linebacker in the Wildcats’ system. White even went so far as to tell Braker that there are shades of Jamin Davis (now playing for the Washington Commanders in the NFL) in his game.

“They’re high on the list,” Braker added. “When I cut the list down, they should be on that list.”

Braker says he expects to announce his commitment sometime in July. He’s currently down to a top six that consists of Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah, Rutgers, NC State, and Georgia Tech. The only school he has not officially visited is Georgia Tech. Braker doesn’t plan to publicly announce his next list cut though, but says the Wildcats will be on it.

South Carolina has been viewed as the team to beat up to his point. The Gamecocks received his first official visit and recruiting outlets quickly began logging picks in favor of Shane Beamer’s program. The opportunity to play right away as a freshman appeals to him and that’s what South Carolina is offering.

That being said, Kentucky, which has yet to add a linebacker to this class after bringing in several from 2024, was able to get in the last pitch. Braker is ranked as the No. 782 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle per the On3 Industry Ranking.