Will Stein said his new staff would bring a different kind of energy to the recruiting trail-and less than a month into the job, we’re already seeing that promise take shape in a big way. Literally.
Four-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon, a former Texas commit and one of the top interior prospects in the 2026 class, has locked in an official visit to Kentucky for January 16-18. And make no mistake: this is more than just a courtesy trip. This is Kentucky stepping into the ring for a true SEC-caliber defensive lineman, and they’re swinging with purpose.
Berymon Is the Real Deal
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 330 pounds, Berymon isn’t just a space-filler-he’s a disruptor. Ranked No. 211 nationally by Rivals, the Monroe (La.)
Ouachita Parish product brings the kind of power and presence that you need to anchor the heart of an SEC defensive line. But what separates him from other big-bodied linemen is his athletic profile.
This is a kid with a shot put background, and that explosiveness shows up on tape. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports calls him a “bona fide SEC-style” lineman who can two-gap and blow up run plays before they even get going.
He’s not a developmental project-he’s a plug-and-play point-of-attack weapon. That kind of talent doesn’t come around often, and when it does, programs like Kentucky need to be ready to pounce.
This Is a “Big Boy” Recruitment
If Stein wants to build a contender in Lexington, he has to win battles like this. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program, and when you’re trying to climb the SEC ladder, you don’t get there without anchoring your roster with guys like Berymon. Kentucky is no longer just trying to fill out a class-they’re aiming to win head-to-head battles with traditional powers.
Berymon was committed to Texas until November, and when a player of that caliber re-enters the market, it’s usually the blue bloods who circle back in. The fact that Kentucky not only got into the mix, but secured the final official visit before Signing Day, says a lot about how this new staff is operating. That’s a strategic edge, and it’s one that could pay off in a big way.
Familiar Faces, Fresh Energy
This recruitment also underscores the importance of continuity and connection. Defensive line coach Anwar Stewart, one of the few holdovers from the Mark Stoops era, was the one who extended the offer to Berymon. Stewart knows what it takes to develop NFL-level talent in Lexington, and his presence brings familiarity and credibility to the pitch.
But the new staff isn’t just riding coattails-they’re actively building relationships. Both offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman have recruited Berymon before, giving Kentucky a foundation of trust and familiarity that’s rare in a coaching transition. That kind of prior connection can be the difference-maker when it comes down to crunch time.
Kentucky Has Real Momentum
Let’s be clear: Kentucky is in the thick of this race. Berymon will visit Nebraska on January 9-11, but getting the final visit is a huge win for Stein’s staff.
That’s the last chance to make an impression, the final word before decisions are made. And right now, Kentucky has positioned itself to make that word count.
Landing Berymon would be a statement. It would show that this new staff isn’t just talking about energy-they’re translating it into real recruiting wins. It would give Kentucky a 330-pound centerpiece to build its defensive front around and close out the 2026 class with authority.
Will Stein said they were going to work the trail hard. So far, they’ve done exactly that. Now it’s about finishing the job.