Hardley Gilmore to Nebraska: If you are a WR, why would you play for Kentucky football?

Kentucky football’s wide receiver situation has reached a breaking point, and losing Hardley Gilmore to Nebraska only underscores the program’s ongoing struggles. Gilmore's decision to join a team already luring away former Kentucky standouts like Dane Key and their former WR coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr, is a glaring indictment of where the Wildcats stand when it comes to wide receiver development and recruitment.

A Troubling Trend of Departures

It’s not just Gilmore. Kentucky saw five receivers enter the portal this offseason, an alarming statistic for a program claiming to compete at the SEC’s highest levels. Among them were key contributors who simply didn’t see the opportunity to grow or succeed in Lexington. Dane Key and Barion Brown, two of the most promising WRs to ever play in Lexington, are gone, following a pattern that has plagued Mark Stoops’ tenure.

When has a receiver truly thrived under Stoops? Wan’Dale Robinson’s success came after transferring to Kentucky from Nebraska, but he was an anomaly. Jeff Badet left and found a better situation elsewhere. Key and Brown saw brighter futures outside of the bluegrass. The message is clear: Kentucky doesn’t develop wide receivers—it stagnates them.

The "Glorified Blocker" System

Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s first season in 2024 didn’t exactly inspire confidence for receivers looking to make an impact. Kentucky ranked near the bottom of the SEC in passing offense, and the stats prove it:

• Pass attempts per game: 26.4 (12th in SEC)
• Yards per game: 185.7 (13th in SEC)
• WR touchdowns: 12 (tied for last in SEC)
• WR receptions of 20+ yards: Only 18 all season

Hamdan’s system leans heavily on the running game and short, conservative passes. Receivers are often relegated to being extra blockers in a scheme that doesn’t prioritize explosive plays. Why would any receiver—let alone a talented recruit like Gilmore—choose to play in a system that all but guarantees limited opportunities to shine?

Short-Term Rentals

Instead of building a sustainable future, Kentucky’s approach to addressing the exodus has been to rely on short-term fixes. The Wildcats have recruited transfers like JJ Hester and Kendrick Law, but neither has impressive stats or long-term eligibility. This “band-aid” approach reflects a desperation to fill the gaps left by the portal rather than fostering an environment where receivers can thrive.

Hester has been hurt and hasn’t produced significant numbers when healthy. Law, while intriguing, is best known as a blocker and a not a route runner. These stopgaps might plug holes temporarily, but they don’t solve Kentucky’s fundamental issue: receivers don’t get better under Stoops.

A Program at a Crossroads

If Kentucky truly wants to compete in the SEC, it can’t continue treating wide receivers as expendable. The program’s inability to recruit, develop, and retain top-tier talent at the position is unacceptable for a team with aspirations of contending. Losing five receivers to the portal in one offseason isn’t just a bad look—it’s a crisis.

Until Stoops and Hamdan overhaul their offensive philosophy and prioritize developing receivers, Kentucky will remain a place where talent goes to waste. And as more players like Gilmore, Key, and Brown leave for greener pastures, the Wildcats are left wondering how they’ll ever reverse this trend.

If you’re a wide receiver, why would you ever choose Kentucky? Right now, there’s no good answer.