Motivated Mark Stoops could be striking on the recruiting trail again this week
Big Blue Nation, buckle up. Kentucky football is on a recruiting tear, and the momentum isn’t slowing down. Just a few weeks ago, the Wildcats were staring at a goose egg in the 2026 recruiting class, dead last among SEC programs. Now, with nine commitments already in the bag this month, Kentucky insider Chris Beasmore is dropping a bold prediction: “I am expecting at minimum two Yahtzees this week for Kentucky Football!” If that pans out, it would mark the 10th and 11th pickups of June alone, a stunning turnaround for Mark Stoops and his staff.
Stoops, known for his stubborness, has been open about using the doubters’ chatter as fuel. He’s seen your tweets, folks. He is as motivated as ever
Consider this your warning. Motivated Mark Stoops is here. pic.twitter.com/xlhlrpTWey
— Trillie Cauley-Stein (@SeaOttersFan27) April 11, 2025
The proof? A recruiting hot streak that’s transformed the Wildcats’ 2026 class from nonexistent to one with serious potential.
Let’s take a step back to appreciate how far this class has come. On June 1, Kentucky had zero commitments. Zero. Fans were restless, rivals were chirping, and the pressure was mounting after a disaster of a season. Fast forward to today, and the Cats have nine players locked in, including top-500 national talents like safety Messiah Tilson (Rockford, IL) and cornerback Jordan Crutchfield (Vero Beach, FL). The class spans seven states, blending athleticism, size, and versatility across both sides of the ball.
Here’s a quick look at who’s already on board:
Messiah Tilson, S (Rockford, IL): A 6-2, 165-pound defensive back with a 90-grade rating, Tilson picked Kentucky over Minnesota, Rutgers, and Wisconsin on June 16. His range and instincts make him a cornerstone for the secondary.
Jordan Crutchfield, S (Vero Beach, FL): At 6-3, 200 pounds, Crutchfield’s size and physicality (88-grade) scream NFL upside. He committed June 11, giving Kentucky a big win in Florida.
Lincoln Watkins, TE (Port Huron, MI): A 6-4, 233-pound tight end (88-grade) who committed June 21, Watkins brings elite hands and track speed. His 39 catches for 668 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior show his playmaking ability.
Isaiah McMillian, CB (Katy, TX): The latest addition on June 22, this 6-1, 170-pound corner (87-grade) adds Texas flair to the secondary with his quick feet and ball skills.
Max Mohring, LB (Malvern, PA): A 6-3, 215-pound linebacker (87-grade) from June 17, Mohring’s instincts and multi-sport background make him a steal from the East Coast.
Prince Jean, WR (Valdosta, GA): Committed June 9, this 6-0, 180-pound receiver (86-grade) outran SEC offers with his speed and route-running.
Davis McCray, WR (San Antonio, TX): A 6-2, 190-pound target (86-grade) who pledged June 3, McCray’s frame and hands are a dream for new receivers coach L’Damian Washington.
Cameron Miller, OT (Hammond, IN): At 6-5, 310 pounds (85-grade), Miller’s June 13 commitment bolsters the offensive line with his mauling run-blocking.
Delvecchio “Deuce” Alston, RB (Trussville, AL): A 6-0, 200-pound back (85-grade) who committed June 18, Alston’s power and vision fit perfectly in Kentucky’s ground game.
This group is a testament to Stoops’ staff digging deep, outworking bigger brands, and selling their vision. Despite losing recruiting guru Vince Marrow to Louisville, new coaches like tight ends coach Derek Shay and receivers coach L’Damian Washington have stepped up.
Shay’s pull of Watkins over Florida was a flex, while Washington’s knack for landing Jean and McCray shows his early impact.
So, who could be the next two “Yahtzees” Beasmore’s hinting at? The tea leaves point to a few names. Tight end Lincoln Watkins’ commitment last weekend came after a surprise visit, suggesting Kentucky’s official visit blitz is still yielding fruit.
Possible names who could commit

Four-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski the two sport star from Cincinnati’s Moeller High is rending toward the Cats, per On3’s KSR, and would be a massive get to lead the class.
Another name to watch is running back SirPaul Cheeks, who was on campus recently and could pair with Alston to form a dynamic backfield duo. He has listed his commitment ceremony on July 1st.
The loss of four-star tackle Jarvis Strickland, who decommitted June 20, stung, but it hasn’t derailed the momentum. Kentucky’s staff is casting a wide net, hosting prospects like offensive lineman Tyler Duell and others this week. Beasmore’s confidence suggests at least two more are close to pulling the trigger, and Stoops’ fiery response to the doubters is clearly resonating.
What makes this surge so exciting is how it reflects Kentucky’s identity under Stoops: relentless, scrappy, and unapologetic. The Cats aren’t landing five-stars (yet), but they’re finding players with upside who fit their system. Tilson and Crutchfield give the secondary length and swagger. Watkins and Mohring add versatility to the skill positions. Miller anchors the line, while Jean, McCray, and Alston bring juice to the offense. It’s a class built for Kroger Field’s physical brand of football.
Vince Marrow cites Mark Stoop’s “extreme motivation” as a driving reason for his departure from Kentucky.
— Buddy 🏀😼 (@BigBlueBud) June 9, 2025
“I’ve never seen him like this. It’s more than Youngstown tough… it’s Youngstown Motivated. I really just don’t think he needs me anymore.” pic.twitter.com/0SMRRFTfSz
Big Blue Nation has plenty to boo about, but Stoops isn’t done. He’s reading your tweets, feeling the heat, and turning it into Motivation. If Beasmore’s call holds true, expect two more names to join this growing 2026 class by week’s end. Drop your predictions in the comments—who’s next to say “Go Cats”?