Local standout Owen Jenkins breaks down Kentucky commitment

Lexington Catholic catcher Owen Jenkins was committed to the University of Louisville since the eighth grade, but in September, he briefly reopened his recruitment before committing to Kentucky. In doing so, he gave the Wildcats their top commitment of the 2025 class.

“Kentucky is a family-based program,” Jenkins said. “I really liked that about them. I really like coach (Nick) Mingione and like what he offers and just his overall way of coaching. Coach (Austin) Cousino as well. Obviously, he’s new to the program, but he’s a really good recruiter. Him and the other coaching staff have the players first, which I really like. I’m just excited to keep the winning Kentucky era going.”

Jenkins, a catcher, was ranked No. 46 nationally by Perfect Game when he committed to the Wildcats on Sept. 21. He’s since been his ranking rise to No. 18 nationally. If that spot holds, and if Jenkins enrolls next summer, he will be the highest-ranked player per Perfect Game since the website began ranking recruits in 2009.