The NFL’s roster cutdown deadline brought a sharp split for Kentucky’s former Wildcats. Some locked in 53-man spots without much drama. Others were waived, with a few already being eyed for practice squads if they clear waivers.
Among the biggest winners for Big Blue Nation were Josh Hines-Allen, Wan’Dale Robinson and Maxwell Hairston, who were all safe on roster day. Hairston’s status drew extra clarity from Bills coach Joe Brady, who shut down any idea that rookie Davision Igbinosun had pushed him out of the job.
"He's our starting corner. Maxwell's got exactly what we look for in a corner."
A few more Wildcats also made the initial cut. Ray Davis and Maxwell Hairston are in with the Bills, Luke Fortner made it with the Panthers, and Jager Burton and Carrington Valentine both landed on Green Bay’s initial 53.
Jalen Farmer and Seth McGowan survived Colts cuts, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Josh Hines-Allen both made Jacksonville’s roster. Bud Dupree is in with the Chargers, Dru Phillips made the Giants, and Brandin Echols stayed with the Steelers.
Marques Cox was one of the names to get good news in Miami. The Dolphins kept him, along with several other edge and depth pieces, as they set their initial roster. Kendrick Law is listed with the Lions on injured reserve.
Not every Wildcat was as fortunate. Trevin Wallace was cut by the Panthers, and Ja’Mori Maclin was waived by the Bills. Buffalo would like to bring Maclin back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Eli Cox was released by the Texans and is also viewed as a practice squad candidate if he clears. Will Levis was waived by the Titans, and Jeremy Fowler reported that Levis wanted out and got the fresh start he wanted.
Dallas moved on from Shiyazh Pete and Zion Childress, with Pete’s agent noting that he had a memorable preseason and should get a chance to keep developing elsewhere this season. The Cowboys’ cut list also included several other players, with Childress among the names let go.
Pittsburgh released Jamin Davis, while Cincinnati waived rookie tight end Josh Kattus. Green Bay also cut Darian Kinnard, and Miami moved on from veteran defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr., who had signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins this offseason.
Other Kentucky alums who were waived or released included Quinton Bohanna by the Jaguars, Alex Wollschlaeger by the Saints, Jamon Dumas-Johnson by the Ravens, and Brenden Bates from injured reserve by the Browns.
In Other News...
Kentucky Already Has One Week 1 Threat It Cant Ignore
Kentuckys first week of game-planning has already come with some urgency, as the Wildcats sent coaches to scout Youngstown States week zero opener ahead of the season opener. The focus was clear from the start: quarterback Beau Brungard, a dual-threat presence who can stress a defense with his arm and his legs, is the kind of player who can shape a game plan before kickoff ever arrives.
Brungard backed up the attention with a strong outing in the Penguins most recent game, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns while adding 119 rushing yards and two more scores. For Kentucky, that means the opener brings more than a typical first-game test, because stopping one player who can do damage in multiple ways may decide how smoothly the Wildcats can settle into the season. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Is Changing Kroger Field In A Way Fans Will Notice
Kroger Field is getting a noticeable makeover this fall as Kentucky Athletics rolls out a slate of changes aimed at making game day feel fresher under new head coach Will Stein. The upgrades touch several parts of the fan experience, from concession pricing and payment options to updated seating, a new team introduction sequence and a more interactive atmosphere for home games.
The department is also leaning into presentation, bringing in a new game-day host and lining up promotional events throughout the season to keep the crowd engaged. Kentucky is pairing those touches with themed home dates designed to pull the stands into the action, a sign that the Wildcats want the building to feel different before the first snap even arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Just Got Pulled Back Into A Mark Mitchell Twist
Mark Mitchells path has taken another turn, and Kentucky is right back in the middle of it. After initially committing to the Wildcats, the forward is weighing his options with an eye on what comes next, a reminder that college basketballs roster building rarely stays simple for long and that late movement can reshape a teams plans in a hurry.
For Kentucky, the interest is obvious because Mitchell would fit the kind of frontcourt help the program always has to monitor closely. The wrinkle is that his next step is tied to a broader eligibility question, leaving the situation in a holding pattern for now and giving the Wildcats another thread to follow as they keep piecing together their roster picture. [Read more 🡒]