Expert logs a massive predication for Kentucky to land 2 sport star and QB of the future

Kentucky football lands crystal ball for two-sport star Matt Ponatoski

Mark Stoops might want to keep the champagne on ice—but just barely.

Steve Wiltfong, the Vice President of Recruiting for On3 and one of the most respected voices in the national recruiting scene, has logged a crystal ball prediction for Matt Ponatoski to commit to Kentucky. That’s a major development in the Wildcats’ pursuit of the elite 2025 quarterback—and it might have the staff at Kentucky baseball just as excited.

Ponatoski, the reigning Ohio Player of the Year in both football and baseball, has long made clear he plans to play both sports at the next level. That means if Wiltfong’s prediction holds true, Mark Stoops and Nick Mingione could both be welcoming a franchise-changing talent to Lexington.

We broke down Ponatoski's rapid rise after his standout showing at the Elite 11 here, where he was dubbed the most accurate passer of the event by On3'a Charles Power. That’s no small praise at a quarterback competition known for separating SEC-ready signal-callers from the rest of the pack.

One scout even compared Ponatoski to a young Devin Leary—a strong-armed, precise thrower who found success at Kentucky after transferring in. It’s no secret that Stoops has struggled to land and develop high school quarterbacks. His best production at the position has come from the transfer market, where names like Stephen Johnson, Will Levis, and Leary all brought short-term stability.

But a commitment from Ponatoski would mark a significant shift. He’s not just a quarterback with elite arm talent and poise—he’s also a culture-setter, the kind of prospect who could change the narrative about Kentucky's ability to recruit and develop high-end high school QBs. Especially if Cutter Boley manages to develop. That could mean back to back high school 4 star recruits starting for Mark Stoops and Kentucky at the QB position.

And for Nick Mingione, Ponatoski’s potential impact might be just as transformative on the diamond. As a baseball star with serious power and athleticism, he brings the kind of dual-sport pedigree rarely seen in the modern era of specialization.

So while nothing is official yet, there’s no denying this latest prediction is a major win for Kentucky’s coaching staffs—and a clear sign that Big Blue Nation is in the running for one of the most exciting athletes in the 2025 class.

Let’s see if Stoops and Mingione can close the deal.