Kentucky is finalist for blue-chip safety Andre Clarke Jr.

Henrico (Va.) Hermitage safety Andre Clarke Jr. is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 high school cycle. The top-200 recruit will have plenty of options when it comes to decision time. That decision process has already started for the blue-chip prospect.

The four-star recruit has trimmed his lists of schools to eight. Kentucky made the cut along with Florida State, Miami, Michigan, SMU, Syracuse, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 4 ⭐️ Safety Andre Clarke Jr. ( @AndreClarkeJr3 ) Has cut his list down to 8️⃣ schools‼️
–
Andre Clarke is a 6’1 (170 LBS) Safety/CB out of Henrico, VA. Clarke ranks as the 7th recruit in Virginia and has a total of 31 offers. He currently has visits planned… pic.twitter.com/BNvDyrOgxB

— Steezo (@SteezoDsgn) March 8, 2025

Andre Clarke Jr. has official visits locked in with Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Syracuse, and SMU. The Cats are firmly in the mix as this decision making process starts to take shape. Kentucky is still looking for their first commitment in the 2026 high school cycle. Clarke stands out as one of the top prospects on the recruiting board.

Kentucky official visit list

June 6-8

Marion (Mass.) Tabor Academy defensive lineman Marcus Almada (Unranked)

Camden (N.J.) Eastside EDGE Elijah Satchell (Unranked)

Richmond (Va.) Hermitage safety Andre Clarke Jr. (4-star, No. 172 overall)

Fort Pierce (Fla.) Westwood cornerback Jordan Crutchfield (4-star, No. 320 overall)

June 13-15

Evergreen (Ala.) Hillcrest defensive back J.T. Barlow (Unranked)

Rome (Ga.) High wide receiver Darnell Collins (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater linebacker Justin Edwards (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Jones wide receiver Larry Miles (3-star, No. 402 overall)

June 15-17

Venice (Fla.) EDGE Asharri Charles (4-star, No. 189 overall)

June 20-22

Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier linebacker Karsten Busch (3-star, No. 572 overall)

Manchester (Ga.) High cornerback Jaedyn Terry (3-star, No. 652 overall)

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join KSR+

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. Now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, insider intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. 

Want more Kentucky intel? Join KSR Plus for the most comprehensive coverage of the Cats on the internet. With a KSR membership, you get access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.