Kentucky football’s efforts on the recruiting trail for the 2026 class have faced some early setbacks, as key targets are opting for other programs. The latest blow came when four-star offensive tackle Adam Guthrie committed to Clemson over Kentucky and Ohio State.
Guthrie, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound lineman from Washington Court House, Ohio, is a consensus Top 250 overall prospect and the No. 19 offensive tackle in the country, per the On3 Industry Ranking. Kentucky was among the first major programs to extend an offer, and offensive line coach Eric Wolford even made an in-home visit. Despite their early interest, the Wildcats could not fend off Clemson’s recruiting power.
While Guthrie is off the board, Kentucky is still pursuing several high-profile recruits. One of the biggest names in the state is Paducah Tilghman offensive tackle Jarvis Strickland (6-foot-6, 294), ranked as the No. 17 OT and No. 202 overall player. Tight ends coach Vince Marrow and offensive line coach Eric Wolford are trying to reel him in.
In Ohio, UK is pushing hard for two standout prospects:
- Cincere Johnson (LB, 6-foot-3, 225, Glenville, Ohio) – No. 6 linebacker, No. 135 overall prospect.
- Brayden Fogle (TE, 6-foot-3, 225, Lexington, Ohio) – No. 8 tight end, No. 127 overall prospect.
Kentucky is also targeting several highly ranked players from the South:
- Andre Clarke (S, 6-foot-1, 175, Richmond, Va.) – No. 11 safety, No. 131 overall prospect.
- Asharri Charles (Edge, 6-foot-2, 230, Venice, Fla.) – No. 12 edge rusher, No. 144 overall prospect.
- Dylan Purter (CB, 6-foot-0.5, 165, Tuskegee, Ala.) – No. 20 cornerback, No. 188 overall prospect.
- Landon Barnes (Edge, 6-foot-3.5, 235, Duncanville, Tex.) – No. 18 edge rusher, No. 189 overall prospect.
- Jayden Petit (WR, 6-foot-4, 195, Naples, Fla.) – No. 31 wide receiver, No. 200 overall prospect.
- Jaedyn Terry (CB, 6-foot-3, 175, Manchester, Ga.) – No. 22 cornerback, No. 229 overall prospect.
- Cortez Redding (S, 6-foot, 175, Jonesboro, Ga.) – No. 18 safety, No. 239 overall prospect.
Despite the recruiting struggles, Kentucky remains in the mix for several top-tier talents. With months to go before the 2026 class is finalized, the Wildcats will need to intensify their efforts if they hope to secure commitments from high-impact players. It will help if they can win a few game this year, you know more than just 1 SEC game.
For now Kentucky keeps swinging and keeps on missing.