Once again, Hardley Gilmore IV has been dismissed from the Kentucky Football program. Jeff Drummond broke the news today that Gilmore would once again be leaving Lexington, making this the fourth total time that Gilmore has departed the Cats, but this one seems like it's bound to stick.
It all started back when Gilmore was a highly-touted four-star freshman out of Florida, who then chose Kentucky over Florida, Alabama, Penn State, and others. It was seen as a great sign that a receiver with that pedigree would commit to a Mark Stoops offense. But his impact on the field never really caught up to that initial hype.
Gilmore committed to Kentucky in 2023, and then opted to enter the portal at the end of the 2024 season. He chose to head to Nebraska, along with pass-catcher Dane Key, but that too was short lived.
He was dismissed from the Cornhuskers, and found his way back to Lexington, where Coach Stoops, waited to welcome him back. Then (stay with us here) Stoops gets fired, and Gilmore decides to transfer to Louisville, before backtracking and landing on Baylor as his home... before yet again changing his mind and staying at Kentucky after all.
His potential bought him some leeway throughout all of this chaos, but it's safe to say that it's officially run out.
WR Hardley Gilmore IV has been dismissed from the Kentucky football team for a violation of team rules, a UK spokesperson tells KSR+. He was not listed on the latest practice roster for Aug. 6.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) August 6, 2026
Hardley Gilmore's Talent Can't Overcome the Issues at Kentucky
There was never any doubt about how solid Gilmore could be. He's 6-foot-1, was a state qualifier for the 800-yard dash, and still has the right instincts on the field. But all of that translated to just 34 catches and 466 yards in his career. At some point, your production has to outweigh the distractions around you.
Hardley Gilmore was officially dismissed from Kentucky for a violation of team rules, a spokesperson from the University confirmed after Gilmore was absent from the team's updated practice roster. No specifics were given, and there's no room to speculate, but it's truly sad to see a promising career derailed by aspects unseen.
Someone may still give Gilmore a chance because he's got the intangibles, but this dismissal means another year will go by without him on the field. Because the transfer portal is now closed, Gilmore can't just go to another school and suit up. He'd be able to enroll, but he wouldn't be eligible to play until next season.
A redshirt is now the only option. While the Gilmore rollercoaster may continue to truck along, it will no longer do so in Lexington under Will Stein.
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