Kentucky WBB makes top five for '27 No. 3 recruit Haylen Ayers

The best shooting guard in the country and No. 3 overall recruit is still considering Kenny Brooks and the Kentucky Wildcats with just five total hats left on the table. Haylen Ayers, a 6-0 standout in the class of 2027 and a native of Jackson, TN, has narrowed her choices down to include UK, UConn, Duke, Texas and Vanderbilt.

Ayers is coming off an official visit to Lexington back in early October, looking right at home in the blue and white with UK’s other commitments and current Cats pushing for the five-star to join them for good.

Her response to four-star pledge Emily McDonald? “future teamies again????”

Now, we’re one step closer to making that reality — with some tough competition for Brooks, to be expected for a legitimate blue-chip talent.

Happy Halloween 🎃 pic.twitter.com/Y6c7RLpEps

— Haylen Ayers (@haylenayers) October 31, 2025

The Tennessee native is also a standout softball player, ranked No. 23 overall and No. 4 among high school outfielders — something Rachel Lawson is certainly aware of at Kentucky. In fact, during her official visit to UK, she posed in a full softball uniform with a bat and basketball, stressing her dual-sport status and potential campus-wide stardom.

Ayers recently agreed to an endorsement deal with New Balance, joining a roster for the brand that includes Cooper Flagg, Cameron Brink and Kawhi Leonard.

Can Kenny Brooks and the Wildcats close on one of the best players in the sport?

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Kentucky Women’s Basketball offers in 2027

• 5-star guard Ivanna Wilson Manyacka – No. 2 overall, No. 1 small forward – Bullis (MD)
• 5-star guard Haylen Ayers – No. 3 overall, No. 1 shooting guard – University School of Jackson (TN)
• 5-star wing Jordyn Palmer – No. 5 overall, No. 2 small forward – Westtown (PA)
• 5-star post Caroline Bradley – No. 6 overall, No. 1 post – Oak Grove (LA)
• 5-star wing Micah Ojo – No. 7 overall, No. 3 small forward – Princess Anne (VA)
• 5-star guard Sydney Savoury – No. 11 overall, No. 2 shooting guard – Belleville (MI)
• 4-star forward Sydney Mobley – No. 16 overall, No. 5 power forward – Big Walnut (OH)
• 4-star point guard De’Andra Minor – No. 17 overall, No. 3 shooting guard – Grind Prep Academy (OK)
• 4-star guard Madeline Mignery – No. 22 overall, No. 6 small forward – Cardinal Mooney (FL)
• Forward Isabella Marion – Unranked (international) – Denmark