Two more Kentucky Wildcats are heading to the transfer portal, as defensive back Nasir Addison and defensive lineman Austin Ramsey have officially announced their intentions to explore new opportunities after the holidays.
Let’s start with Ramsey, who made his move public on December 29, just ahead of the NCAA transfer portal reopening on January 2. The redshirt freshman showed flashes of potential in 2025, recording five total tackles, including two solo stops and a sack. While the stat line might not jump off the page, his impact was felt in key moments-most notably during Kentucky’s win over Auburn.
Ramsey’s development has been one of the quieter success stories on the Wildcats’ defense. Originally recruited as an offensive lineman, he transitioned to the defensive side of the ball and steadily carved out a role. Former Defensive Coordinator Brad White didn’t hold back in praising the young lineman’s growth.
“I don’t know how many times I can get behind a microphone and say development isn’t a microwave thing,” White said. “Everybody wants someone to step in and perform right away. This is a young man that came in as an O-lineman… he’s just gotten better and better.”
White highlighted Ramsey’s work ethic and willingness to take coaching, noting a key stop on a quarterback draw as a prime example of his progress. “He gets snaps, he keeps getting better.
He works in practice, he takes corrections. He’s starting to see the fruits of his labor.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly, especially from a coach like White, who’s built his reputation on developing defensive talent. Ramsey’s move to the portal comes at a time when he’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential, and it’ll be interesting to see where he lands next.
On the other side of the ball, Addison’s decision came via a heartfelt social media post. The sophomore defensive back thanked head coach Mark Stoops, the coaching staff, and the Kentucky program for helping him grow both on and off the field.
“I will always respect where I came from and look forward to what’s ahead,” Addison wrote.
Addison’s 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. Initially not projected to play a major role, he was thrust into the spotlight after injuries sidelined DJ Waller Jr. and Terhyon Nichols. Addison stepped up admirably, showing poise and toughness in high-leverage situations.
He finished his collegiate career with 34 total tackles, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble, including 11 solo tackles in 2025. But his most memorable moment may have come in that same Auburn game where Ramsey shined. On the very first play of the game, Addison made a statement-stopping star wideout Cam Coleman short of a first down with a clean, open-field tackle.
“Really, really proud of him,” White said. “I thought he played really well all day long.
It was a tone setter, right? They wanted to test him… and for him to pin Cam Coleman on that first one-that set the tone for the game.”
Addison’s emergence in 2025 showed the kind of depth and resilience Kentucky’s secondary had to rely on, especially as injuries mounted. Though he dealt with some health setbacks of his own, he proved he could hold his own against top-tier SEC talent.
With Addison and Ramsey now officially in the portal, they join a growing list of Kentucky defenders seeking new homes, including Landyn Watson, Steven Soles Jr., Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, and Ty Bryant.
This kind of roster turnover isn’t unusual in today’s college football landscape, especially with the portal playing such a significant role in player movement. For Kentucky, it’s another chapter in the ever-evolving process of roster management. For Addison and Ramsey, it’s a chance to take the next step in their football journeys-armed with experience, development, and a few standout moments that will stick with them wherever they go.