The Kentucky Wildcats have been active in reshaping their roster through the transfer portal for the 2025 season after a 4-8 2024 campaign. Here's a detailed look at how each new addition grades, based on their performances with previous schools.
Quarterback
Zach Calzada Grade: C+ Zach Calzada, transferring from Incarnate Word, brings experience with 2,270 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 2024. He is not a dual threat runner, but he can make some plays with his legs. Will be interesting to see how he has developed since he was last in the SEC. For Stoops, it needs to be a lot.
Running Back
Dante Dowdell Grade: A- Dante Dowdell from Nebraska showed promise with 685 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024. His physical running style could complement Kentucky's ground game, providing a solid backup and short yardage guy,
Wide Receivers
Troy Stellato Grade: C+ Coming from Clemson, Stellato managed 24 receptions for 310 yards in 2024. Again, a WR with potential but known much more for his blocking than catching. You'll see a theme with that.
JJ Hester Grade: B- Hester a former Sooner had 42 catches for 530 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will be learned on much more at Kentucky than Oklahoma.
Kendrick Law Grade: C- Largely known for his blocking, Kentucky will need to see a lot more in the receiving department to make this a success.
Offensive Line
Joshua Braun (OG) Grade: A- Braun's experience from Arkansas, where he started all games and was named Second-Team All-SEC, makes him an instant upgrade for Kentucky's offensive line. Much needed.
Alexander Wollschlaeger (OT) Grade: B- Wollschlaeger from Bowling Green was a two-time All-MAC selection, providing stability and experience at tackle. He allowed 2 sacks last year, and is making a big jump in talent, time will tell if he can do so.
Wallace Unamba (OL)Grade: B A versatile lineman from New Mexico, Unamba's experience and his JUCO All-American accolades suggest he can adapt quickly to the SEC's physicality, but we will see.
Evan Wibberley (C) Grade: C Wibberley from Western Kentucky brings consistency to the center position, having not allowed a single sack in 2024. His leadership could be crucial for the offensive line. But a big jump in talent faced could be an issue.
Tight End
Henry Boyer Grade: B- The Illinois transfer, Boyer is a big athletic blocker. In 2024 his stats included 30 receptions for 340 yards and 2 touchdowns. His size and blocking ability is the real reason he is coming to Kentucky.
Defensive Players
Sam Greene (OLB) Grade: B+ Greene coming from USC had 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2024, highlighting his potential as a pass rusher. His role could be pivotal in bolstering Kentucky's defense.
Landyn Watson (LB) Grade: B With 65 tackles last year with Marshall in 2024, Watson brings tackling prowess to the linebacker corps, potentially adding stability and leadership after a mass exodus.
Kameron Olds (OLB) Grade: B+ Olds from Kent State recorded 42 tackles and 6 sacks, he will need to be a force in the SEC if this defense is going to do anything.
Jaden Williams (DT) Grade: B Williams coming from Wyoming had 20 tackles and half a sack in 2024. He will do his best to replace Silver and Walker, has upside to be a solid contributor.
Kevis Thomas (CB) Grade: C- Thomas is a depth piece from Maryland who had 21 tackles and 2 passes defended. He struggled in man coverage, but that won't be a problem as Kentucky rarely uses the blitz and plays zone.
Kentucky's 2024 transfer portal class shows a mix of immediate impact players and developmental talents. The problem is fans are not going to want to see players who cant compete come in, when so much talent has left. Stoops' contract almost guarantees him another year, but fans will want to see more in the short term. The offensive line has seen significant upgrades, while the defense gains potentially game-changing edge rushers. However, the success of this class will largely depend on how well these players adapt to the SEC's competitive level.
Keep an eye on how these grades translate into wins on the field in 2025.