Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep running back Isaiah West, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 208 pounds, has withdrawn his commitment from Kentucky, as reported by Bill Kurelic of Ohio State 247Sports. West had initially pledged to the Wildcats on March 1.

West holds an impressive 90 rating on the 247Sports scale, positioning him as the nation’s 11th-ranked running back and the 204th overall prospect. His official visit is slated for June 7, with plans for a subsequent visit to Columbus the following weekend.

This decision marks the first decommitment in Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class. Notably, West is teammates with 2024 wide receiver signee David Washington Jr.

Mark Pope opens up on starting from scratch at Kentucky

In a recent interview, new Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope candidly discussed the challenges of starting fresh at Kentucky and the unique roster situation he inherited.

Pope acknowledged that he’s essentially starting from scratch, with an open roster and the need to rebuild the team’s identity. “It’s a blank canvas,” Pope said. “We have to figure out who we are and what we’re about.”

One of the key factors Pope will have to navigate is the potential departure of Kentucky’s one-and-done talent. With the uncertainty surrounding the future of some of Kentucky’s top players, Pope emphasized the importance of being adaptable and open to various roster scenarios.

“We have to be prepared for anything,” Pope stated. “Whether it’s guys staying or going, we have to be ready to put together a competitive team that represents Kentucky the right way.”

Despite the challenges, Pope expressed excitement about the opportunity to build a program that aligns with his coaching philosophy and the expectations of Kentucky fans. He acknowledged the legacy of former head coach John Calipari but made it clear that he plans to put his own stamp on the program.

“Coach Calipari did an incredible job here, and I have the utmost respect for him,” Pope said. “But I’m here to put my own spin on things and create something special with this group of players.”

As Pope embarks on his tenure at Kentucky, he emphasized the importance of embracing the challenge and focusing on the long-term success of the program. With an open roster and the opportunity to shape the team’s identity, Pope is confident that he can build a winning culture that will make Kentucky fans proud.