Kentucky is making an early statement in the 2027 recruiting cycle - and they’re aiming high. With new head coach Will Stein and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan now steering the ship, the Wildcats are already turning their attention to one of the most sought-after prospects in the country: five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson.
Hudson, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound standout from Ruston High School in Louisiana, is widely regarded as the top tight end in the 2027 class. He confirmed that he received a call from Sloan on Friday - a familiar voice, considering Sloan had already been recruiting him hard during his time at LSU. That prior connection could give Kentucky a real shot here, especially now that Sloan is bringing his recruiting chops to Lexington.
Hudson’s list of suitors reads like a who’s who of college football powerhouses. He holds offers from LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Miami, and several others. LSU had been a prominent contender for Hudson’s commitment before Sloan left Baton Rouge, and Nebraska has also been gaining traction with him in recent months.
This fall alone, Hudson has taken visits to Alabama, Ole Miss, and Nebraska. Earlier in the year, he also made stops at Florida and Ohio State - all programs known for developing NFL-caliber talent at tight end. That kind of travel schedule shows just how serious his recruitment already is, even with National Signing Day still years away.
As a football prospect, Hudson checks every box. He’s currently ranked as the No. 1 tight end and No. 17 overall player in the 2027 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking - a composite that averages ratings from the three major recruiting services. Rivals themselves list him as the No. 3 tight end and No. 44 overall player, but no matter how you slice it, Hudson is a blue-chip recruit with elite upside.
And it doesn’t stop on the gridiron. Hudson is also a force on the hardwood.
He’s rated as the No. 3 center and the No. 31 overall player in the 2027 basketball class by the Rivals Industry Ranking. That dual-sport pedigree adds another layer to his appeal - and potentially another wrinkle to his recruitment.
Interestingly, Hudson had been in contact with Kentucky’s basketball staff over the summer, specifically with associate head coach Alvin Brooks. That communication has cooled off recently, but it’s worth keeping an eye on whether the Wildcats might re-engage on the basketball front as well.
For now, though, it’s clear that Kentucky football is going all-in on Hudson. With Sloan’s prior relationship and Stein’s vision for the program, the Wildcats are positioning themselves as serious players in one of the nation’s most competitive recruitments. There’s still a long road ahead, but if you’re a Kentucky fan, this is exactly the kind of battle you want to see your team fighting - and potentially winning - as the new era in Lexington begins to take shape.