Kentucky's defensive backfield was already going to be a major need, and things have only gotten worse since the portal opened. DJ Waller left for Louisville, JQ Hardaway is going to the NFL, Nassir Addison is currently in the portal, and Kentucky has now lost a former top 200 player in Cam Dooley.
Kentucky defensive back Cam Dooley is entering the transfer portal, his agency @APSportsAgency tells me, @chris_hummer and @CodyNagel247.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 4, 2026
Former Class of 2024 top-200 overall recruit who posted 29 tackles and an interception this season. pic.twitter.com/xRwQtATVaY
Cam Dooley was a 4-star ATH coming out of high school who could play both WR and DB. At Kentucky, he was converted into a free safety, where he had 29 tackles and 1 INT this past year. The only good news to come out of the portal season for Kentucky's defensive back field is Ty Bryant committing to stay with the Cats.
What does Cam Dooley's exit mean for Kentucky and where is he going?
Connections in college football help a lot. So when Matt Zenitz reported that Florida would be a major team to watch for Cam Doole,y it made perfect sense. Dooley played under Brad White at Kentucky, knows the defensive philosophy that White runs, and Florida is looking to rebuild into the Florida of the 90's.
For Kentucky it is another exit that they probably didn't really want. Following the loss of the Smith twins to the portal, Kentucky needed to keep al ot of their young core on defense to develop under Jay Bateman. The new coaching staff has not been able to convince many that their time in Lexington is far from over.
That needs to change in a hurry, because the Cats have just one portal commitment so far in linebacker Tavion Wallace. They will need to grab a replacement for Dooley, and current odds rest on Anthony Hawkins of Villanova to be that man, though recent smoke has them making a move for Florida's Jordan Castell.
As always, follow our transfer portal tracker for the latest breaking news.