Kentucky Football Heating Up on the Recruiting Trail: Key Targets and Official Visit Dates Set
Kentucky football is laying the groundwork for a pivotal recruiting stretch, with several high-profile prospects scheduling official visits to Lexington this spring and summer. The Wildcats’ staff, led by a mix of new and returning coaches, is targeting key positions across the board-from the trenches to the perimeter-and making strong early impressions on some of the nation’s top talent.
Let’s break down the latest movement on the recruiting front.
Big Men in the Trenches: Kentucky’s O-Line Focus
Li'Marcus Jones, a standout offensive tackle from Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi, recently made an unofficial stop in Lexington. He’s locked in an official visit for June 5, and the Wildcats are firmly in the mix. Jones is one of the premier offensive linemen in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 18 offensive tackle and No. 164 overall prospect nationally.
He’s got a busy spring and summer ahead, with visits scheduled to Purdue (April 10), Colorado (May 15), Ole Miss (June 12), and Mississippi State (June 19). But Kentucky’s early engagement has clearly made an impression. The staff is hoping that June 5 visit can help swing momentum in their favor.
Another name to watch is Terrance Warren III out of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia. He’s set to visit Lexington on June 5 as well, part of a five-school tour that includes NC State (May 8), Vanderbilt (May 29), Auburn (June 12), and Mississippi State (June 21). Ranked as the No. 32 offensive tackle in the country, Warren has been recruited heavily by offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich, who’s been leading the charge for Kentucky in the trenches.
Defensive Line Targets Taking Shape
On the defensive side, Ezekiel Ayangbile from Langham Creek High School in Houston is in the process of scheduling his official visit to Kentucky. As the No. 28 defensive lineman and No. 206 overall prospect, Ayangbile brings size, athleticism, and versatility to the table-traits that the Wildcats’ defensive staff covet as they look to beef up the front seven.
Another defensive target, Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui from Coral Gables High School in Miami, already has visits locked in with Florida (May 28) and Auburn (June 5). Kentucky remains under consideration as he finalizes the rest of his visit schedule, along with Louisville and Texas. The Wildcats are hoping to land a spot on his calendar and stay in the mix for the explosive D-lineman.
Secondary Help: Wilson on the Radar
In the secondary, Miguel Wilson, a cornerback from Vigor High School in Mobile, Alabama, has emerged as a priority target for Kentucky’s new defensive staff. Cornerbacks coach Allen Brown made the trip to visit Wilson in January, and Wilson is set to return the favor with an official visit to Lexington on June 12.
Wilson has offers from Georgia Tech and NC State, among others, but Kentucky’s early attention could pay off here. The Wildcats are positioning themselves well in this recruitment as they look to shore up depth and talent at corner.
Skill Positions: Wide Receivers and Running Backs in Play
Wide receivers coach Joe Price III has been busy, and it’s showing. One of his top targets, Brody Knowles from Southlake Carroll in Texas, has Kentucky on his official visit list.
Knowles, ranked as the No. 79 wide receiver in the class, will be in Lexington on June 12. He’s also visiting Illinois (April 10), TCU (May 29), and Arkansas (June 5), with South Carolina and Utah also keeping tabs.
Another intriguing storyline involves Aden Starling, a wideout from Shadow Creek High School in Pearland, Texas. Starling has been committed to Georgia since December, but his relationship with Coach Price remains strong. There’s a good chance Kentucky gets an official visit, which could open the door for a potential flip if things go well.
In the backfield, Mason Ball, a running back from Jacksonville, Arkansas, had to cancel a planned Junior Day visit to Lexington, but he’s already locked in an official visit for June 5. He’ll also be heading to Vanderbilt (May 29), Arkansas (June 12), and North Carolina (June 19). The Wildcats are looking to add depth and explosiveness to their running back room, and Ball fits that mold.
Looking Ahead: More Names to Come
While these are some of the early headliners, Kentucky’s recruiting board is far from set. Expect plenty of movement and new names to emerge as spring visits and evaluations ramp up.
One underclassman to keep an eye on is Mekai Brown, a top-100 edge rusher in the 2027 class from Country Day School in Greenwich, Connecticut. Brown is planning an unofficial visit to Lexington on April 17 as part of a broader spring tour. His early interest is a sign that Kentucky’s staff is casting a wide net and building relationships well ahead of decision timelines.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky is clearly swinging big in this cycle, and the visit schedule reflects that. The staff is targeting high-upside talent at key positions and getting them on campus early-a crucial step in building momentum.
With official visits set and relationships forming, the coming months will be critical in shaping the Wildcats’ 2025 class. Stay tuned.