Kentucky finds young fast playmaker Elijah Barnes in the portal

Will Stein is back in Lexington, and Kentucky is back on the board. After attending the Kentucky-Mississippi State game with Will Stein, Texas linebacker Elijah Barnes committed to the Cats.

Barnes is a former 4-star recruit and was a top-70 player in the entire country in the class of 2025. He left Texas after one year, where he had 4 total tackles and a sack. He appeared in just 2 games, meaning he will have 4 years of eligibility left.

Kentucky football needed a playmaker at linebacker

The Cats honestly had issues at every level last year. The defensive backfield gave up too many yards, the linebackers struggled to fill gaps and tackle, and the defensive line didn't get enough pressure. Stein has targeted players that fit the new mold of defensive coordinator Jay Bateman: long, fast, and explosive. Elijah fits right into that.

Owning a sub-11.00 100-meter dash time at 220 pounds puts his speed on a competitive level with actual track athletes. That guy can move. Now, he will need some experience, and he will have to really hone in on whichever linebacker spot Kentucky feels he can play best, but he has all the natural skills and instincts to be a great linebacker.

Speaking to KSR, he said Bateman has told him he has a chance to come in and be a day 1 starter at Kentucky, and Barnes said it felt like "home." The Cats find a potential playmaker in the front 7, and still need help at most places along the roster.

Kentucky and Will Stein will look to pick up the momentum after the dead period ends on the 14th. With Stein eliminated from the playoffs, he can now focus 100% on getting the best players to Kentucky. For now, go celebrate getting a top-70 talent to come to Kentucky; that is something worth celebrating.

Stein is just getting started though, so stay tuned to our Transfer Portal tracker for all the latest breaking news.