Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow are keeping their foot on the gas when it comes to roster building — especially in the tight end room.
Elijah Brown, a towering 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end with stops at Alabama, Florida Atlantic, and most recently UCF, is currently on a transfer visit to Kentucky, sources confirm.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Brown could be a valuable piece not only for the 2025 roster but for the longer-term future of the tight end position in Lexington.
🧬 A longtime connection
Brown originally hails from Dayton, Ohio, where he was a standout at Wayne High School. Back then, he was a top-250 national recruit and ranked as the No. 8 tight end in the 2021 class.
Kentucky was very much in the mix the first time around — thanks in part to Vince Marrow’s recruiting presence in Ohio — but Brown ultimately chose to begin his college career at Alabama.
He redshirted in his lone year in Tuscaloosa before transferring to Florida Atlantic, where he spent two seasons mostly contributing on special teams. He did flash as a receiver last year with a 22-yard reception and a growing presence in the blocking game. Brown transferred to UCF in January and is now back on the market.
Now, he’s getting a second look from the Wildcats — and Marrow’s long-standing connection could help seal the deal.
🔁 Depth needed in the TE room
The tight end spot is one of the trickier positions for Kentucky heading into the fall. While there's experience, there's also room to grow. Especially since the Cats will look to pound the ball a lot next year.
Here’s a look at Kentucky’s current tight end group:
- Josh Kattus
- Willie Rodriguez
- Jack Monday
- Henry Boyer
- Mikkel Skinner
- Justin Kattus
While there's upside, adding a veteran like Brown — who brings SEC experience, size, and special teams value — could provide important insurance, especially in the red zone and blocking schemes.
📈 A fit for the future
Kentucky's interest in Brown isn’t just about patching holes for this season. The Cats are eyeing future-proofing a position that has proven crucial in Liam Coen's offense.
With players like C.J. Conrad and Justin Rigg setting the standard in recent years, the coaching staff wants to make sure the next wave of tight ends continues that legacy.
And if Brown’s visit goes well, he may finally wear Kentucky blue — just a few years later than expected.