The 2024 season saw Kentucky football celebrate a bittersweet milestone as four standout players earned All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. Kicker Alex Raynor and return specialist Barion Brown secured first-team recognition, while offensive lineman Eli Cox and defensive lineman Deone Walker earned third-team nods. However, all four are set to leave Lexington, marking a significant transition for the program.
Four Wildcats named in the Coaches All-@SEC.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 11, 2024
📰🔗 - https://t.co/F9pdxDJUMH pic.twitter.com/w59Abl7Cr0
Alex Raynor
Alex Raynor's 55-yard field goal to put Kentucky up 3-0 on No. 1 Georgia is the longest in school history. What a cool moment for the Kennesaw, Ga. native, whose sister attends UGA and is at the game to cheer him on tonight.
— KSR (@KSRonX) September 15, 2024
🔗 https://t.co/aCJPXGvK6Rpic.twitter.com/HGY0AFYETQ
Raynor capped off an illustrious collegiate career by rewriting Kentucky and SEC record books. Named a Lou Groza Award finalist, Raynor converted 15 of 16 field goal attempts this season, finishing with a career SEC-best accuracy rate of 92.6%. Known for his long-range prowess, he set a school record with a 55-yard field goal against Georgia and added a 51-yarder in the same game. Over his two years as a Wildcat, Raynor hit 25 of 27 field goals, cementing his legacy as one of the most reliable kickers in program history. With graduation approaching, Raynor’s departure leaves a significant void in special teams.
Barion Brown
Kentucky WR and star kick returner Barion Brown has entered the transfer portal.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 5, 2024
Brown had 361 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving this year, notably catching the critical 4th & 7 pass that led to UK’s upset of Ole Miss.
He finished 1st in the FBS in kickoff return touchdowns (3)… pic.twitter.com/jrIryZxu7f
Junior Barion Brown continued to dazzle as one of the nation’s top return specialists, earning first-team honors for his SEC-record fifth career kick return touchdown. His 886 all-purpose yards included 449 on kick returns, where he averaged 24.3 yards per return. Brown also contributed on offense with 361 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. Brown has announced his intent to transfer for his final season of college. LSU is the current leader for his services.
Eli Cox
Kentucky Center Eli Cox.
— Thomas Martinez (@BoltsDraftTalk) December 10, 2024
Solid initial punch, immediately finds the threat and attacks under control.
You are on my radar!#NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/uPUqtHU7Q7
Cox, a veteran leader on Kentucky’s offensive line, earned third-team All-SEC honors after starting 38 consecutive games. Known for his reliability, Cox allowed only one sack all season and graded at 76% overall. With graduation imminent, Cox’s durability and leadership will be missed along an already depleted offensive line.
Deone Walker
The agent for Kentucky DT Deone Walker (6074v, 353v) needs to get him in front of NFL people as much as possible. It's hard to appreciate how big Walker is until he walks up on you. 👀#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/VZ6KbceIws
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) November 3, 2024
Walker, a preseason All-American, earned a third-team selection despite declining production. He managed 37 tackles, 5.0 for loss, and 1.5 sacks, a far cry from his sophomore peak. Walker has entered the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a top 3 round selection currently.
For the first time in 8 years the Cats will miss a bowl game, so that gives the staff extra time to try and find replacements for the aforementioned players.