5 offensive players most likely to jump into the transfer portal and leave Kentucky football

Kentucky football's awful 2024 campaign has sparked intense speculation about the future of some of its most talented players. With transfer portal activity now the norm in college football, several Wildcats might look for fresh opportunities following a season that failed to meet Big Blue Nation's, and their own, expectations.

Below are ten key players who may be looking to bolt for greener pastures:

1. Barion Brown

Barion Brown, one of the SEC’s most electrifying wideouts, tallied over 700 receiving yards in 2023 and led the Wildcats in all-purpose yards. His elite speed and ability to change games make him a coveted asset for any program​.

This year has not been the kind of step up Barion or the Cats were looking for. Brown has 27 catches for 350 yards and 3 TDs through the air and 50 yards on the ground through 13 carries; mostly on bad jet sweeps. No one could blame him to try and go to a fast paced offense that is spread out in hopes of rekindling his NFL dreams.

2. Dane Key (WR)

The entire WR room could really be gone after this season, including Dane Key. Key is a home state recruit so this would hurt more than most. Despite flashes of brilliance, Kentucky’s offensive inconsistency and bad playcalling limited his production.

Still, Key’s size and skill set ensure he’ll attract significant interest if he decides to transfer, and like Brown no one could blame him.

3. Brock Vandagriff (QB)

This one is a no-brainer. The highly-touted Georgia transfer had an uneven season under center for Kentucky in 2024, putting it lightly. While he showcased his arm strength and mobility, the offense’s struggles have been fairly, or unfairly, laid at his feet.

Brock was not recruited by Hamdan, and there is speculation that he would not have chose him had he been in charge. Brock also committed to Liam Coen, but stuck it out. He has displayed courage all year playing behind that line, he may have a breakout year for a team that has a better coaching staff.

4. Jamarion Wilcox (RB)

The backfield never felt complete, and the carries were not split correctly at all if you look at the stats. Once Chip Trayanum went down, the running back role was handed over to Demie Sumo-Karngbaye. He was very servicable, but lacked the home run hitting speed.

Insert Jamarion Wilcox who has just 11 fewer yards on 38 fewer carries. Mark Stoops very publicly called him out for his shoe tying, yes that happened, so it may not be a fit for him at Kentucky. With the showing he put on tape this year, he will not have a hard time finding suitors.

5. Josh Kattus

Kattus was projected to be the next big TE at Kentucky, but despite some flashes has never shown consistently enough. Whether it's coaching, scheme fit, or just bad luck, Kattus may look outwardly to finish his college career.

Who do you want the Cats to hold on to, and who are you okay with leaving? Stay tuned to WBN for all the breaking portal news through the holiday season.