As National Signing Day looms next Wednesday, most of the heavy lifting for the 2026 recruiting cycle is already done. The ink won’t be dry for a few more days, but for programs like Kentucky, the focus has already shifted forward. Will Stein and his new staff are wasting no time laying the groundwork for 2027 and beyond-and this weekend could be a major building block.
This marks the third consecutive weekend that Kentucky has hosted 2027 prospects and other underclassmen on campus. While winter weather sidelined last weekend’s plans-robbing the staff of a chance to showcase a home basketball game-the Wildcats are making up for lost time. This weekend’s visitor list is stacked, and it’s headlined by some of the top talent in the region, including multiple national-level recruits from right here in the Bluegrass State.
Let’s break down the marquee names set to be on campus, and why they matter for the future of Kentucky football.
TE Seneca Driver - Boyle County (KY)
Seneca Driver has been a name to know since middle school, and he’s only lived up to the early hype. Now entering his senior season, the Boyle County standout is ranked as the No. 25 overall player in the 2027 class and the top tight end in the country, per Rivals.
This recruitment has all the makings of a classic in-state battle, but it’s more layered than just keeping the local star home. Vince Marrow has had Driver on his radar for years, and the attention he’s getting from Kentucky’s staff is matched by the interest from other major programs.
Just two weeks ago, Marrow and Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm were both in the stands for a Boyle County-Danville basketball game. On the opposite side of the gym?
Will Stein, tight ends coach Justin Burke, and recruiting coordinator Joe Price.
This one’s shaping up to be a heavyweight fight, and Kentucky’s clearly not backing down. Driver is a game-changer at a position the Wildcats have made a focal point in recent years. If they can keep him home, it would send a strong message about the direction of the program under Stein.
DL Malachi Brown - Corbin (KY)
Another in-state Blue Chip talent, Malachi Brown is a disruptive force in the trenches. The Corbin defensive lineman is ranked as the No. 200 overall prospect and a top-25 player at his position in the 2027 class.
Brown is already drawing serious interest from national powers like Ohio State and Alabama, and Kentucky knows it’s in for a battle. Marrow and Brohm made the trip to Corbin on Thursday to check in on the highly coveted lineman-a clear sign that the Wildcats are going all-in on keeping elite talent within state lines.
Brown’s blend of size, athleticism, and motor makes him a foundational piece for any defense. For Kentucky, landing a player like this would be a statement win in the trenches.
OT Li’Marcus Jones - Mississippi
Rebuilding the Big Blue Wall has been a major priority for this staff, and that starts with high school recruiting. The transfer portal has helped plug some holes, but long-term success in the SEC starts up front-and that’s where Li’Marcus Jones comes in.
Jones, a former Ole Miss commit, is a Top 300 prospect with offers from across the SEC, including Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama. Offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich made the trip to Mississippi earlier this week, and his efforts paid off-Jones is expected to be on campus this weekend.
The Wildcats need to restock the trenches with SEC-caliber talent, and Jones fits that mold. He’s the type of player who can anchor a line for years to come, and getting him on campus is a big step toward making that happen.
CB Jermaine Cobbins - Springfield (TN)
Cobbins may still be a rising junior, but he’s already one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the country. The Springfield, Tennessee native is ranked as the No. 3 cornerback and No. 38 overall prospect in the 2028 class.
Kentucky is getting in early here, and that’s smart business. With Tennessee and other SEC programs already circling, the Wildcats are positioning themselves as a serious contender in what will likely become a national recruitment. Cobbins brings elite athleticism and ball skills to the table, and it’s no surprise that schools are eager to get involved this early.
CB Braylen Bedford - Mississippi
Bedford is another name to watch in the secondary, and Kentucky has a built-in advantage here. James Gibson and Jay Bateman, now on staff in Lexington, had already established a relationship with Bedford during their time at Texas A&M-and they’ve carried that momentum with them.
The Mississippi native is drawing attention from major programs, and Kentucky’s early involvement could pay dividends down the line. Bedford has the length and speed that SEC teams covet at corner, and he fits the mold of the kind of defensive back Kentucky has had success developing in recent years.
The Big Picture
This weekend is more than just another round of campus visits-it’s a showcase of where Kentucky’s recruiting priorities lie under Will Stein. There’s a clear focus on locking down the state’s top talent, reinforcing the trenches, and getting in early on elite underclassmen across the South.
It’s still early in the 2027 cycle, but the foundation is being laid right now. And if this visitor list is any indication, Kentucky is swinging big-and doing it with purpose.