Unraveling the Kentucky Football Offseason's Transfer Portal Impact
How Many Kentucky Players Will Hit the Portal
It was quite surprising to see how many people were taken aback by the number of players who announced their departure from the Kentucky football program last week. But this is a natural part of the process. The roster needs to be refreshed, and attrition is the first step. So far, 15 players have indicated they will enter the portal, leaving seven roster spots to be filled with free agents. It's expected that this number will double by the end of the week. Some of the players who have announced their moves include DL Keeshawn Silver, DB Avery Stuart, LB Jayvant Brown, and many more. To stay updated on the latest transfer portal activities, check out On3's Transfer Portal wire and our staff-only sticky thread on KSBoard.
These departures are a part of the evolution of the team. It allows the coaching staff to bring in new talent and build a stronger roster. As the offseason progresses, we'll see more players make their decisions and the roster take on a new look.
Positions the Cats will Target
Kentucky is likely to target players at almost every position this fall. One of the top priorities is the EDGE position. With J.J. Weaver's departure and his ineligibility, the team needs an experienced starter. They have recruited some EDGEs in the 2024 recruiting class, but they need to find the right fit.
At the nickel position, Zion Childress was a key defensive player, and there's uncertainty about who will fill that void. South Alabama DB Jordan Scruggs is a name to keep an eye on as he may visit Kentucky.
Offensive tackle is another area of need. The team requires two starting-caliber offensive tackles, which won't be an easy task. On3's Pete Nakos estimates that a tier-1 offensive tackle costs between $400,000 and $1 million.
The center position is also important as the only offensive lineman who touches the ball also calls the protection. The coaching staff won't rely solely on redshirt sophomore Koby Keenum to fill this role.
Quarterback is a concern as well. Although Mark Stoops believes in Cutter Boley, he's a redshirt freshman backed up by two true freshmen. This isn't a recipe for success.
Running back is another position where the team may look for an addition. Chip Trayanum is expected to return, and Mark Stoops believes Jamarion Wilcox is ready to step up, but they may be seeking another Ray Davis.
Transfer Portal Trends
In 2022, the Wildcats took in eight transfers. This number increased to 15 in 2023 and 14 in the last cycle. Each cycle has seen some players not make it to fall camp. Over the last three years, seven of the 37 incoming transfers have left via the transfer portal. On the other hand, about 30% of the incoming transfers started for the Cats the following year. This indicates the importance of making the right transfer decisions. At this rate, Kentucky will need to add about 24 players to find seven starters for the 2025 team.
The transfer portal is a double-edged sword. It offers opportunities but also comes with risks. The coaching staff needs to carefully evaluate each transfer and ensure they bring in the right players to enhance the team.
Skepticism is Warranted
This offseason will see more roster turnover than any other in Kentucky football history. With graduating seniors and NFL Draft entries, about half of the 2024 roster will be gone, opening the door for new players.
There have been success stories like Ray Davis, Keidron Smith, and Wan'Dale Robinson through the transfer portal, but there have also been more misses than hits recently. The coaches have blamed some of this season's issues on the transfer portal players. So, each addition will be closely scrutinized.
Devin Leary was the best quarterback on the market, and Brock Vandagriff was a former five-star talent, but they both underperformed. Expecting the next transfer to be better might not be the best approach.
The coaching staff needs to find between 7-10 players who can make an immediate impact. The future of the Mark Stoops era depends on this year's crop of free agents. It's a challenging task, but one that holds great potential for the team.