Hold onto your seats, college basketball fans—four-star center Josh Irving is shaking things up in recruiting by paring down his options to just three powerhouse programs! This rising star from Pasadena High School in California has everyone buzzing as he inches closer to a decision that could reshape the landscape for big men in the 2026 class. But here's where it gets controversial: Is his youthful edge a game-changer, or does it risk delaying his college impact? Let's dive into the details and unpack what makes this recruit so intriguing.
According to his agent, Harrison Gaines from Slash Sports, who shared the update with Rivals, the 6-foot-11 senior is now focusing exclusively on the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Texas A&M University. Imagine the excitement of a player with such height and potential choosing between these storied programs—each with their own rich traditions and coaching staffs ready to mold talent like Irving's. He's already made official visits to all three, and sources indicate he's gearing up to announce his commitment before long. For beginners in recruiting lingo, an 'official visit' is like a VIP tour where prospects get to see the campus, meet the team, and feel the vibe, often tipping the scales toward a final choice.
Before settling on this elite trio, Irving had entertained offers from a broader field, including the University of Kansas, Southern Methodist University (SMU), San Diego State University, the University of Southern California (USC), and several others. It's a testament to his growing appeal that he could have gone anywhere, but narrowing it down shows he's prioritizing fit over fame. And this is the part most people miss: The schools he chose aren't random—they represent a mix of Big Ten (Kentucky), ACC (Louisville), and SEC (Texas A&M) competition, each offering unique paths to the NBA for a guy with his physical tools.
Now, let's talk rankings to give you the full picture. Per Rivals' Top-150 Player Rankings, Irving sits at No. 40 overall in the 2026 recruiting class, making him a highly coveted prospect. He's also the No. 6 ranked center nationally and the No. 9 overall player out of California—a state known for churning out basketball talent. For those new to this, rankings like these are based on evaluations of skills, potential, and upside, helping coaches and fans gauge a player's future ceiling.
Rivals' National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw caught up with Irving this summer and offered this glowing assessment: 'Josh Irving has a ton of potential in his game, and he improves every time we watch him perform. At 6-foot-11, he's a smooth athlete with outstanding wingspan, and his value keeps climbing steadily.' Shaw added that Irving, born in May 2008, is young for his grade level. 'His natural athleticism at that height is irreplaceable—it's not something you can teach. He's like a 7-footer in the making, adding layers to his game with each outing. Right now, the Pasadena native is like a blank canvas, being shaped before our eyes. In two years, he might be a completely different player.'
This praise highlights Irving's raw potential, but let's stir the pot a bit: Some might argue that his youth could mean he's not ready for immediate college dominance, potentially leading to frustrations on the court. Others see it as an advantage, allowing him to develop fully before turning pro. And what about his school choices? Kentucky's storied history under John Calipari, Louisville's recent resurgence, or Texas A&M's SEC pedigree—each has die-hard fans debating which would unlock Irving's best self. Could choosing a 'safer' program like Louisville give him more playing time early, or does Kentucky's high-pressure environment build tougher players?
What do you think about Josh Irving's decision-making process? Do you see his youth as a blessing or a hurdle? And which of these three schools do you think fits him best—share your takes in the comments below! We love hearing differing opinions to keep the conversation going.
