For the first time since opening night, Kentucky will finally have one of its most important defensive pieces back on the field. Cornerback DJ Waller Jr., who started the season opener against Toledo but hasn’t played since, is expected to return this week when the Wildcats host Texas.
It’s hard to overstate how badly Kentucky needs him.
A desperate need in the secondary
The Wildcats’ secondary has been a major sore spot all season, ranking 96th nationally in passing yards allowed (248.6 yards per game). Even more frustrating, the unit has performed worse at home, giving up an alarming 278.3 yards per game inside Kroger Field. That’s part of a troubling trend: Kentucky hasn’t won a home game against a Power Four opponent since beating Florida back in September 2023.
Waller’s return won’t fix everything overnight, but it gives Kentucky an experienced, physical defender in a position group that has been stretched thin and shuffled constantly. His size and strength on the edge could be a stabilizing force, especially with a Texas offense that loves to take deep shots.
A boost at the perfect time
The Longhorns will be without starting center Cole Hutson, which means quarterback Arch Manning will operate behind a slightly altered offensive line. However, Texas’ defense remains elite, and the Wildcats will need every bit of help they can get to keep this one competitive.
Kentucky has reached the desperation point of its season, needing a statement win to stop the slide and quiet the noise surrounding Mark Stoops. Getting Waller back might not be the spark that turns everything around, but it’s the best news the Wildcats have had in weeks, other than a certain Virginia Tech rumor.
Full Injury Report
Texas
- Out: WR Aaron Butler, LB Jonathan Cunningham, OL Cole Hutson
- Doubtful: RB CJ Baxter
- Questionable: DB Xavier Filsaime, OL Connor Stroh, DL Maraad Watson
Kentucky
- Out: RB Jamarion Wilcox, OLB Jacob Smith, DB Nasir Addison, ILB Devin Smith, DL Nic Smith, WR David Washington Jr., TE Elijah Brown
- Questionable: WR Troy Stellato, OL Aba Selm
- Probable: DB Jaden Smith
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion