Another year like 2024, and Kentucky football might be looking at more than just hot seat talk — it could be looking at an exodus.
The Cats flamed out last season despite early optimism. They lost blowouts at home to South Carolina and Louisville, never topped 21 points against a Power 4 defense, and limped through a forgettable stretch after upsetting Ole Miss. Mark Stoops’ $30 million buyout means he's likely safe — but several top players won’t be if the program falters again.
Here are five key Wildcats who could be gone if 2025 repeats that nightmare:
1. Cutter Boley, QB
Once the future, now stuck in limbo. The former 4-star redshirt freshman was leapfrogged by 7th-year veteran Zach Calzada. Kentucky pursued QBs all offseason, and with elite prospect Matt Ponatoski arriving next year, Boley might start looking elsewhere.
2024 Stats: 26-53 (49.1%), 338 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs
2. Jamarion Wilcox, RB
Explosive and electric — and underused. Wilcox averaged 6.4 yards per carry, but the staff barely gave him touches. Rumors tied him to Ole Miss last winter. Another underwhelming season and he’s portal-bound.
2024 Stats: 92 CAR, 590 YDS, 2 TD
3. Hardley Gilmore IV, WR
The speedster bounced back to Lexington after a brief, failed stint at Nebraska. He showed flashes in limited time, but a dysfunctional offense might push him to try one more new home.
2024 Stats: 6 REC, 153 YDS, 1 TD
4. Mikkel Skinner, TE
A new-age mismatch weapon with elite athleticism, Skinner committed when Vince Marrow was still calling shots. With Marrow at Louisville and Bush Hamdan’s offense struggling, it’s easy to see Skinner re-opening his options.
Scouting: Explosive TE/WR, 4.5 speed, versatile route-runner with upside and edge.
5. Steven Soles Jr., EDGE
An Alabama target out of high school, Soles is a hard-nosed defender who saw limited snaps in 2024. He’ll have suitors if the defense doesn’t take a step forward.
2024 Stats: 5 TKL, 1 SACK
If Kentucky starts 2025 slow — especially with a brutal schedule ranked 9th hardest nationally by Phil Steele— the portal could be even more active than the fanbase’s frustration.