Kentucky football’s offseason roster shuffle added two more names to the mix on Tuesday, with wide receivers David Washington Jr. and Preston Bowman announcing plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Washington Jr., a true freshman in 2024, saw the field in all 12 games this past season, though most of his work came on special teams. His lone catch - a nine-yard grab against Murray State - marked his first collegiate reception, but his impact went beyond the box score.
A product of St. Joseph’s Prep in Pennsylvania, Washington came to Lexington as a unanimous three-star recruit, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Virginia, Wisconsin, and Syracuse.
In high school, he was the definition of versatile - lining up as a receiver, running back, linebacker, and return specialist - and played a key role in leading St. Joseph’s to a 13-1 record and a Class 6A state title.
While his offensive snaps were limited at Kentucky, Washington’s athleticism and multi-positional experience made him an intriguing long-term piece. Now, he’ll look to find a new opportunity through the portal.
Bowman, meanwhile, didn’t see game action during his true freshman year in 2025, opting to preserve a redshirt and maintain all four years of eligibility. The 5-foot-11 receiver from Pickerington, Ohio, came in as more of a developmental prospect - not expected to make an immediate impact, but someone the coaching staff believed could grow into a contributor down the line. With the portal window opening on January 2 and running through January 16, Bowman will now explore his next move.
With Washington and Bowman joining the list, Kentucky now has four players officially planning to enter the portal this offseason. They join linebacker Landyn Watson, EDGE rusher Steven Soles Jr., and quarterback Stone Saunders - all part of a growing group of Wildcats seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
As the calendar inches closer to the official start of the transfer window, Kentucky’s roster is clearly still in flux. The Wildcats are in the middle of the modern college football balancing act - trying to retain key talent while retooling through both recruiting and the portal. With more decisions likely on the horizon, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping how this team looks heading into 2026.