Four-star Emily McDonald announced her commitment to Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon, becoming the third member of the Wildcats’ 2026 class.

Kentucky now leads the country in commitments from players ranked in the top 25 of the SportsCenter Next 100, with three total — more than any other program, as no other school currently has more than one.

The 5-foot-11 guard from Glen Head, New York, is a true combo guard with the size and skill set to thrive at either position.

She has the ability to read and dissect opposing defenses, and by combining that with her handle and shot-creating ability, she becomes a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end.

McDonald also possesses a shot-making touch that makes her a 3-point threat both on and off the ball.

She made noise on the summer circuit, rising in recruiting rankings. McDonald jumped from No. 39 to No. 23 in the 2026 SportsCenter Next 100. 247Sports ranks her as the No. 2 combo guard in the class.

McDonald joins an already stacked 2026 class featuring five-star Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords.

Swords and McDonald will arrive in Lexington with some preexisting chemistry, as the pair will be teammates at Long Island Lutheran High School during the 2025-26 season.

In his short time at Kentucky, head coach Kenny Brooks has recruited at a high level.

With a proven track record of player development, Brooks is now stockpiling high-potential talent, giving Big Blue Nation plenty of reason to be optimistic about the program’s direction under his leadership.

The 2025 Wildcats will open their season at historic Memorial Coliseum on Nov. 3, taking on Morehead State. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.