Kentucky football didn’t wait for the ink to dry before putting its new coordinators to work - and the early returns are already showing up on the recruiting trail.
Joe Sloan’s hiring as offensive coordinator became official on Monday, but the former LSU assistant had already made his presence felt in a big way. Just days before the announcement, Sloan helped secure a signature from four-star wide receiver Kenny Darby, a major win for the Wildcats’ 2026 recruiting class. It’s a strong opening statement for a coach tasked with modernizing Kentucky’s offense and injecting some much-needed firepower into the passing game.
On the other side of the ball, while Kentucky hasn’t formally announced Jay Bateman as its new defensive coordinator, he’s already out there working the phones like a man on a mission. Even as he helps Texas A&M prep for the College Football Playoff, Bateman is laying the foundation for Kentucky’s future - and he’s wasting no time doing it.
On Monday, Bateman extended a scholarship offer to 2028 quarterback prospect Ashton Chiles, a name that should sound familiar. Bateman previously recruited Ashton’s older brother, Aaron Chiles, during his time at Florida.
Aaron was a top-100 recruit in the 2024 class and became a starter for the Gators in his second year, finishing the season with 52 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. That kind of development track speaks volumes - and now, Bateman is circling back to the Chiles family, this time with Kentucky on the pitch.
The connection makes sense. Bateman is a Virginia native with deep ties to the DMV area, one of the most talent-rich regions in the country.
If Kentucky wants to tap into that recruiting goldmine, Bateman is the right guy to lead the charge. His familiarity with the area and pre-existing relationships - like the one with the Chiles family - give the Wildcats a real shot at building something sustainable on the defensive side.
Ashton Chiles, for his part, announced the Kentucky offer on social media, tagging Bateman and several national recruiting analysts. It’s clear the buzz is building.
But Bateman isn’t doing this alone. Kentucky’s staff - including head coach Will Stein, outside linebackers coach Tony Washington Jr., and offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich - are all currently working with teams in the College Football Playoff. That’s a rare and impressive distinction for a program like Kentucky, and it speaks to the caliber of coaches Stein has brought in during this new era.
Even with national championship aspirations still in play for their current teams, these coaches are already laying the groundwork for what’s next in Lexington. It’s a reminder that in today’s college football landscape, recruiting never stops - not even during playoff prep.
Looking ahead, the next big moment for Kentucky comes in the transfer portal. The Wildcats are expected to be aggressive, with multiple starting spots on the 2026 roster up for grabs. With the early momentum from Sloan and Bateman, and a staff full of coaches who know how to win at the highest level, Kentucky is positioning itself to make serious noise in the months ahead.
The new era of Kentucky football is here - and it’s already moving fast.