In a move that adds to the growing turmoil surrounding Kentucky football, defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver has entered the transfer portal. Once a five-star recruit and a highly anticipated transfer from North Carolina, Silver’s departure after two seasons in Lexington is another gut punch for a program struggling after a 4-8 season.
Silver arrived at Kentucky with sky-high expectations, but his impact on the field has been underwhelming. In his three-year college career, Silver has compiled 43 total tackles, including 22 solo and 21 assisted while at Kentucky. His lone sack came during the 2024 season, leaving many fans questioning whether he ever reached his potential as a game-changer on the defensive line. Some blame has to fall on Anwar Stewart and Mark Stoops, as they haven't shown they have the ability to develop a lot of talent. Remember Josh Allen was developed by Jimmy Brumbaugh and Derrick LeBlanc.
Unfortunately, Silver's departure comes amid a season marred by defensive struggles. Kentucky’s rush defense was nothing short of a disaster, surrendering over 160 yards per game on the ground. The Wildcats were manhandled in key matchups, giving up 358 rushing yards to Louisville and 326 to Auburn. Despite Silver and standout lineman Deone Walker anchoring the defensive front, Kentucky’s line was routinely blown off the ball, exposing a glaring weakness that opposing teams exploited at will.
NEWS: Kentucky DL Keeshawn Silver is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports.
— On3 (@On3sports) December 3, 2024
The North Carolina transfer was a 5-star recruit in the 2021 class👀https://t.co/tF2ZoDWyWS pic.twitter.com/XrMVkbGQfk
For head coach Mark Stoops and the Kentucky faithful, Silver’s exit is a troubling sign of the program's instability. The Wildcats have seen a wave of players jumping ship, raising concerns about the culture and direction of the team. Silver was supposed to be a cornerstone for a defense that could compete in the rugged SEC, but his underperformance—and now departure—only underscores the Wildcats’ struggles to maintain consistency and build a competitive football team under Stoops.
What makes this sting even more is the lack of depth and development behind players like Silver. With the Wildcats already struggling to retain talent and address glaring deficiencies, losing a player of his pedigree—however inconsistent his production may have been—is a blow Kentucky can ill afford.
As fans watch another high-profile name leave Lexington, questions about the program’s trajectory loom large. For a team that once seemed poised to make noise in the SEC, the Wildcats now appear to be a program in freefall, scrambling to patch the holes in a sinking ship.
Bookmark the transfer portal tracker by clicking here for all the latest comings and goings from Lexington.