The Kentucky Wildcats continue to make waves in the offseason, landing Mi'Quise Grace, a highly sought-after edge rusher from the transfer portal. Grace, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, is ranked as the No. 66 overall player and the No. 10 edge rusher in the portal. His commitment is a significant win for Kentucky, as the Wildcats beat out Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, and a host of other top programs to secure the former South Dakota standout.
Looks like Georgia wants the “MVC Defensive Player of the Year” from South Dakota (by way of Princeton HS) Mi’Quise Grace. pic.twitter.com/Tdg5WJ8OPH
— Tim Adams (@timpadams1) January 10, 2025
From Underrated to Undeniable
Grace’s football journey is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Coming out of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Grace was unranked by 247Sports and chose South Dakota over Albany and Navy. Despite his humble beginnings, he has evolved into one of the top edge rushers in college football, drawing national attention for his explosive play and consistent production.
🚨🚨ESPZYN IS REPORTING🚨🚨#SouthDakota Edge Mi’Quise Grace has COMMITTED to #Kentucky.
— ESPZYN (@ESPZYNALERTS) January 10, 2025
The FCS All-American and Missouri Valley DPOY is a #Wildcat.#ESPZYNHadItFirst pic.twitter.com/5E6DuvPsn2
Over three seasons at South Dakota, Grace compiled 58 total tackles, including 32 solo stops and 26 assists. He also registered 8.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and recovered two fumbles. His breakout season came in 2024, when he recorded 26 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble as a redshirt sophomore, solidifying his status as an elite pass rusher.
Kentucky's Defensive Line Gets a Game-Changer
With Grace’s addition, Kentucky continues to reshape its defensive line, turning it into a formidable unit ahead of the 2025 season. Kentucky saw the entire defensive line either graduate or transfer. It also lost all of it's linebackers as well, the rebuild is real and the team must use Spring practice to gel.
South Dakota Edge Mi'Quise Grace @GraceQuise made his presence known early and often in a huge win against NDSU.
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) November 28, 2024
Grace finished the day with 7 tackles, including 3 TFL's and 2 sacks. I can't wait to see what he does in the playoffs.#FCSFootball #GoYotes #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/gKsjVprOec
Kentucky’s defensive line struggled at times during the 2024 season, and Grace’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial. His combination of size, speed, and strength makes him a versatile weapon who can excel against both the run and the pass. As an edge rusher, Grace’s knack for getting into the backfield will help Kentucky generate pressure, a key area of improvement for the Wildcats; especially since Kentucky football does not blitz.
Why Kentucky?
For Grace, the Wildcats offered the perfect opportunity to compete in the SEC, the toughest conference in college football, while continuing to develop his skills and showcase his talent for the next level.
Building Momentum for 2025
The addition of Grace is part of a larger trend for Kentucky, which has been aggressive in bolstering its roster through the transfer portal. By targeting impact players like Grace, the Wildcats are positioning themselves to try and rebound from a 4-8 disaster.
This is the middle of next season for Kentucky football. pic.twitter.com/wpiHTPbNT7
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) January 3, 2025
Grace’s presence will not only elevate Kentucky’s defense but also provide a boost to team morale and fan enthusiasm. With SEC offenses becoming more dynamic every year, Kentucky’s ability to add elite defensive talent like Grace is a critical step forward.
Will his talent translate to Kentucky footballs scheme, that remains to be seen.