Kentucky’s new offensive coordinator Will Stein hasn’t wasted any time getting to work on the recruiting trail. With a fresh staff in place and a clear vision for the future, the Wildcats are already making moves in the 2027 class and beyond. One commitment is already on board - Buford (Ga.) quarterback DJ Hunter - and the staff is beginning to cast a wide net, targeting top talent from across the country.
Let’s break down some of the key names who’ve picked up recent offers from Kentucky, and which coaches are leading the charge.
Wide Receiver Targets: Joe Price III Takes the Lead
Wide receivers coach Joe Price III is quickly becoming one of the most active recruiters on staff. He’s the point man for several high-profile offers, including prospects also being pursued by programs like Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, Auburn, Oregon, and Texas. That’s a competitive group, and Price is diving in headfirst.
He's also leading efforts with recruits who hold offers from Arizona State, Florida State, TCU, Tennessee, and Texas Tech - a clear sign that Kentucky is targeting explosive playmakers with SEC and national-level interest. Another name on Price’s board has drawn attention from Florida State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and Duke, giving Kentucky a shot at pulling a receiver out of a crowded recruiting race.
Backfield and Skill Players: Kolby Smith’s Ground Game
Running backs coach Kolby Smith is working hard to shore up Kentucky’s future backfield. He’s leading the recruitment of a player who’s been offered by Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee - a who’s who of powerhouse programs.
Smith is also the primary recruiter for a prospect with offers from Georgia, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, and Oregon. The competition is fierce, but Smith’s SEC experience and player development track record could be key in landing one of these blue-chip backs.
Building the Trenches: Cutter Leftwich Targets the Line
Offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich is focusing on the foundation - the big men up front. He’s leading the recruitment of a lineman who’s already on the radar of Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. That’s elite company, and Kentucky’s early involvement could pay dividends if they can build a strong relationship.
Leftwich is also recruiting a prospect who recently made a Junior Day visit to Lexington on January 17. That kind of early campus connection can be critical in a long recruitment. Other suitors for this player include Michigan State, Syracuse, Maryland, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech.
Versatile Athletes and Tight Ends: Justin Burke’s Dual Threats
Tight ends coach Justin Burke is leading the charge for a multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball - a sign of the kind of athleticism Kentucky is prioritizing at the position. This recruit holds offers from Florida State, Boston College, Ohio State, NC State, and Georgia Tech.
Secondary Targets: Allen Brown Eyes Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks coach Allen Brown is also hitting the trail hard. He’s the lead recruiter for a defensive back with offers from Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Georgia - a national-level talent who would be a huge get for Kentucky.
Brown is also working on another target with offers from Ohio State, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Arizona State.
Defensive Coordinator Jay Bateman Joins the Hunt
Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is personally involved in the recruitment of two prospects who are drawing heavy interest. One holds offers from Texas, Texas Tech, Miami, Missouri, and Nebraska, while the other has been offered by Texas, Utah, Arizona State, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh.
Other Notable Names
A few more prospects have drawn Kentucky’s attention, with offers extended to players being courted by programs like Virginia Tech, West Virginia, SMU, Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma State, and Duke. One player, currently committed to Vanderbilt since December, is still being recruited by Kentucky - a sign that this staff isn’t afraid to challenge existing commitments if they believe in the fit.
The Bottom Line
This early recruiting push under Will Stein and his staff is aggressive, calculated, and clearly aimed at elevating Kentucky’s talent pool to compete in the upper tier of the SEC. With offers out to players being chased by college football’s blue bloods, the Wildcats are signaling that they’re not just here to participate - they’re here to make noise.
It’s early in the 2027 cycle, but if this pace continues, Kentucky could be laying the foundation for something special.