Mark Stoops has pulled off late-cycle magic before. But in mid-May, with only one commitment in the 2026 class, Kentucky football finds itself in an unfamiliar spot.
Only Missouri shares that lonely statistic—just a single verbal pledge this late in the cycle. In a league where momentum is everything, the Wildcats need a spark. Luckily, that opportunity is right around the corner.
June recruiting season is almost here. And this year, it matters more than ever.
The calm before the camp storm
May is quiet—at least on the surface. Players are home finishing school or taking a breather before summer workouts begin in early June. Behind the scenes, Kentucky’s staff is setting the stage for a pivotal month.
The first wave of official visits starts the week after Memorial Day. From there, the action picks up fast: a steady stream of unofficial visits, followed by a trimmed-down camp schedule that could serve as a make-or-break stretch for evaluating and closing on 2026 prospects.
In a world where SEC rivals are already stacking commitments, Kentucky needs results.
2025 summer camps, fewer in number but bigger in importance
This year, Kentucky is hosting just four main recruiting camps—about half the usual number. That condensed schedule raises the stakes for each event. Here's a breakdown of what’s coming:
Sunday Showcase: A premier evaluation day open to all positions. Expect a wide mix of high school players, junior college standouts, and even portal hopefuls.
Wildcat One Day Camps: Fast-paced, position-flexible sessions designed to spotlight under-the-radar talent.
OL/DL Mega Camp: Kentucky's biggest trench battle camp. This one is critical given the Wildcats’ 2026 focus on both lines.
Wildcat Specialist Camp: Kickers, punters, and long snappers get their moment to shine—a big opportunity for the rare scholarship offer at special teams positions.
Two additional youth camps (Grades 1–4 and 5–8) are also on the calendar, but the spotlight will be firmly on the high schoolers competing for attention in front of a full staff.
What Kentucky needs and what could emerge
Kentucky’s recruiting board is still being finalized, but the positional needs are no secret. The Cats are looking for:
Quarterback depth: A future leader behind Cutter Boley, that is if he stays, after most likely sitting behind 7th year QB Zach Calzada.
Explosive edge rushers: A pass-rushing presence has been lacking in recent cycles.
Secondary speed: With turnover looming, DB is a top priority.
Offensive line anchors: The OL Mega Camp could be a goldmine.
Expect a mix of under-the-radar regional talent and SEC-level prospects to pass through Lexington this June. It’s also a chance for Kentucky to host and evaluate prospects who’ve seen their stock rise this spring.
Why June matters more than ever
The recruiting calendar has shifted. Commitments come earlier. Top talent wants security, visits, and relationships built well before the fall.
So far, Kentucky hasn’t landed its usual early splash. That doesn’t mean panic—but it does mean urgency. A strong June could change the narrative. Miss out again, and catching up in the fall becomes exponentially harder.
In a league where nearly every other program is stacking pledges, Kentucky must prove it can still punch above its weight in early recruiting battles.
All eyes on summer
Mark Stoops and his staff have always been strong closers. But in this cycle, they’ll need to be strong starters, too.
June’s visits and camps offer the perfect reset button. With a strong turnout and a few headline performances, Kentucky can flip the script—and begin stacking commitments before the 2026 cycle slips away.
For now, the clock is ticking—and the Wildcats need a win on the trail.
Note: if you would like to register for the camp or have questions, click here.