20 unsung Kentucky Wildcats who deserve their hard-earned NCAA backpay

Who deserves their check the most?

The House v. NCAA settlement is more than a legal reckoning—it’s a chance to rewrite the financial legacy of college athletes who carried entire programs on their shoulders while earning nothing but applause. Kentucky is no exception.

Athletes who competed between June 15, 2016, to September 15, 2024 are able to apply for backpay. This period covers athletes who were unable to earn name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation due to NCAA restrictions before the interim NIL policy was introduced in July 2021. Big Blue Nation watched football, basketball, baseball, and non-revenue stars elevate the university's brand, ticket sales, and national visibility. Now that backpay is on the table, these 20 former Wildcats stand out as obvious recipients.

🏈 5 Kentucky football players who deserve backpay

1. Josh Allen (2015–18)

224 tackles | 31.5 sacks | 2018 SEC Defensive Player of the Year

Allen didn’t just break records—he redefined Kentucky football. His 17 sacks in 2018 led the Cats to a 10-win season and a Citrus Bowl win. With Bednarik Award buzz and primetime moments, he was a marketing dream stuck in the wrong era.

2. Benny Snell Jr. (2016–18)

3,873 yards | 48 TDs | Kentucky’s all-time leading rusher

Snell’s hard-nosed running made Kroger Field a destination. Whether dragging defenders or waving goodbye to Louisville’s secondary, he was the soul of Kentucky’s ground-and-pound identity—and an NIL darling in waiting.

3. Lynn Bowden Jr. (2017–19)

1,468 rushing yards in 2019 | 2019 Belk Bowl MVP

When injuries struck, Bowden turned from slot receiver to quarterback, then to legend. His improvisation and swagger made him must-watch TV. If NIL existed, he’d have cashed in every week.

4. Darian Kinnard (2018–21)

39 consecutive starts | All-SEC First Team (2021)

Kinnard was the unsung force behind Kentucky’s rushing renaissance, paving lanes for backs like Snell and Chris Rodriguez. Dominant, durable, and loyal—he would’ve been an easy NIL pick for any local business.

5. Kash Daniel (2016–19)

238 tackles | 2019 All-SEC Second Team

More than just a stat sheet, Daniel was Kentucky pride personified. The Paintsville native played with passion, fire, and a linebacker’s fury. His marketability as a Kentucky-born leader was off the charts—if only the rules allowed it. Just look at his post football career, pro wrestling. He was an NIL dream.

🏀 5 Kentucky basketball players who deserve backpay

1. Malik Monk (2016–17)

754 points | 39.7% 3PT | 2016–17 All-SEC First Team

Monk lit up Rupp like few before him. From 47 points vs. UNC to dagger after dagger, he was a national phenomenon. The NCAA may have stopped his brand—but not his legacy.

2. De’Aaron Fox (2016–17)

599 points | 165 assists | 2016–17 All-SEC First Team

Fox’s turbo-charged drives and 39-point masterpiece against UCLA in the NCAA Tournament remain iconic. The system profited from his star power—he didn’t.

3. Tyler Herro

14 points per game | 4 rebounds | 2 assists | unlimted swag

Herro quickly became a fan favorite for his flashy style and spot up shooting. Remember the pull up 3 against Houston in the Sweet 16? Imagine the deals that would have flowed in.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2017–18)

533 points | 189 assists | 2018 SEC Tournament MVP

SGA emerged from unknown to undeniable, leading Kentucky to an SEC title with poise beyond his years. In today’s market, he’d be swimming in endorsement deals before midseason.

5. Immanuel Quickley (2018–20)

879 points | 2019–20 SEC Player of the Year

Quickley’s sophomore surge turned him into a Kentucky legend. His deep threes and clutch free throws kept UK rolling—and would’ve kept sponsors calling.

⚾ 5 Kentucky baseball players who deserve backpay

1. Evan White (2015–17)

.373 AVG in 2017 | Gold Glove | Super Regional berth

White’s glove at first and bat in the middle of the lineup led Kentucky to one of its best seasons ever. He was MLB-ready and marketable—just a few years too early.

2. Zach Logue (2015–17)

2.58 ERA in 2017 | 111 strikeouts

Logue’s arm powered the Cats through a dream season. When postseason lights came on, he delivered. NIL would’ve made him the face of UK pitching.

3. Kole Cottam (2016–18)

19 HR in 2017 | All-SEC First Team

Cottam was the muscle of the lineup and the brain behind the plate. Few catchers in the country matched his combo of power and poise.

4. Tristan Pompey (2016–18)

.361 AVG in 2017 | All-SEC Second Team

Pompey brought flair, speed, and production to Kentucky’s outfield. A fan favorite with real charisma, he would’ve thrived in today’s social media-driven NIL economy.

Voice of the Fan: “Pompey was a spark plug. He deserves to be paid for those highlight plays.”

5. Luke Becker (2016–18)

.337 AVG in 2017 | 117 RBI career

Becker’s consistency and clutch gene were pivotal in UK’s postseason push. Every championship team has its glue guy—he was it.

🥇 5 more Kentucky athletes who deserve backpay

1. Sydney McLaughlin (2017–18)

NCAA 400m hurdles champion | 2018 SEC Female Athlete of the Year

McLaughlin was already a global name at Kentucky, packing stadiums and setting records. UK Track exploded in popularity—and she saw none of the revenue she created.

2. Asia Seidt (2016–20)

2019 NCAA 200m backstroke champion | 4x All-American

Seidt rewrote UK Swimming history. Her national championship and dominant SEC runs made her one of the best swimmers in school history—and a marketing asset.

3. Abby Steiner (2018–22)

2021 NCAA 200m champ | 13x All-American

Steiner was track lightning in a Kentucky jersey. Her performances put UK in elite company nationally, and her marketability soared long before she could profit.

4. Rhyne Howard (2018–22)

2,290 career points | 2021 SEC Player of the Year

Howard wasn’t just great—she was generational. A walking bucket and two-way force, she turned Kentucky women’s basketball into appointment viewing.

Voice of the Fan: “Rhyne was a superstar who carried women’s hoops. She deserves her cut.”

5. Maddie Scherr (2020–22)

2021 All-SEC First Team | 9.925 floor average

Scherr helped UK gymnastics punch into the SEC’s elite. Her performances were artistic and elite, drawing fans and boosting visibility for a growing program.

💰 Why this matters

The House settlement isn’t just a financial correction—it’s a moral one. Kentucky’s 2023–24 athletic department revenue topped $129.2 million, built on the backs of athletes like Allen, Monk, White, and McLaughlin. They made the brand. They made the memories. Now, they deserve the check.

Who else deserves backpay from the pre-NIL era?

Drop your picks in the comments and let’s give credit where it’s overdue.