Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats have landed their first verbal commitment in the 2027 recruiting class with quarterback DJ Hunter pledging to the program. DJ a Lexington native transferred to Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee for his Sophomore year.
Hunter, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound signal-caller, announced his decision despite being just a sophomore and not yet rated by recruiting services. He chose Kentucky over an early offer from Virginia Tech. Other teams like Clemson had shown interest but had yet to make any former offer.
The Kentucky native played in only eight games during his most recent high school season due to injury. Still, he made the most of his time on the field, completing 76 of 142 passes for 1,431 yards and nine touchdowns. He also added three scores on the ground, flashing dual-threat potential that could blossom in Kentucky’s offense.
While it's far too early to project Hunter’s long-term impact, his early pledge gives Kentucky a foundational piece to build around for the 2027 cycle. As with all early commitments, especially from underclassmen, things can change over time — re-evaluations, new offers, or personal decisions often reshape recruiting journeys. We say that to say this, if this kid decommits and goes somewhere else, don't hold it against him. He is young and developing and may find a school that suits him better. BBN doesn't even Stoops around for 2027, so it would not be a shock at all if Hunter ends up backing out of his commitment.
But for now, DJ Hunter is Kentucky's QB1 of the future — and the first domino to fall in what the Wildcats hope becomes another strong class under Stoops’ watch.
Kentucy is currently practicing for their annual Spring Game, but it will feature more of a practice style according to Mark Stoops. Tickets are free, and the even is Saturday April 12th at 10 AM.