Cincinnati Signee Kayden Allen Re-Opens Recruitment

Highly regarded 2026 prospect Kayden Allen is reopening his recruitment.

Allen—ranked No. 50 nationally in the 2026 recruiting class—has asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent following the dismissal of head coach Wes Miller. The university parted ways with Miller on Friday after five seasons leading the program.

Allen, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Long Island Lutheran High School, originally committed to Cincinnati in the fall. His commitment came over several other programs, including Cal, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss, among others.

With the coaching change creating uncertainty around the direction of the program, Allen has chosen to reconsider his options. His release would allow him to reopen his recruitment at a time when multiple prospects are reevaluating commitments amid the annual coaching carousel.

Allen would have brought an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and offensive versatility. The long wing is capable of scoring at all three levels and has the tools to contribute on both ends of the floor. His physical frame and above-average athletic ability make him a matchup problem, and those traits are expected to draw significant attention from college programs as his recruitment resets.

During the most recent season at Long Island Lutheran, Allen averaged 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while competing in the EYBL Scholastic League. His performances helped solidify his status as one of the top prospects in his class.

Allen had been Cincinnati’s only commitment in the 2026 recruiting class. With his likely departure and the coaching search underway, the Bearcats’ future roster plans remain in flux as the program prepares for a new era.