Despite June flurry, Kentucky still trails SEC in recruiting rankings
June has been a much-needed recruiting revival for Mark Stoops and Kentucky. After entering the month with zero 2026 commitments, the Wildcats have now secured 12 pledges and climbed out of the SEC basement—on paper, at least. That leaves BBN very demotivated.
But the reality is this: despite the quantity, the quality still lags behind. Kentucky currently ranks 13th out of 16 SEC programs in the 247Sports team rankings, and the average player rating is the lowest in the conference. That’s not an encouraging sign for a program trying to rebound from a 4–8 season and regain ground in an SEC that keeps reloading.
Among the recent additions:
- Messiah Tilson, a four-star safety from Illinois, is the highest-rated commit at a 90 grade.
- Georgia receiver Dallas Dickerson and Florida safety Jordan Crutchfield both come in just under that mark with solid three-star ratings.
- Lincoln Watkins, a versatile 6-4 tight end from Michigan, and Tyreek Jemison, a monstrous offensive tackle from Georgia, add needed size.
The rest of the class includes developmental linemen like Ben Duncum and Cameron Miller, defensive pieces like Max Mohring and Isaiah McMillian, and athletic projects like Prince Jean and Delvecchio Alston.
None of them crack the national top 300.
There is a potential light on the horizon: top-10 quarterback Matt Ponatoski has received multiple Crystal Ball predictions for Kentucky. Landing him would not only elevate the class’s national profile but signal that new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan can attract elite talent despite poor play calling.
Stoops and his staff are no strangers to slow builds, but in the NIL and portal era, perception matters more than ever. The 2026 class may yet take shape, but for now, Kentucky’s place in the SEC pecking order remains a work in progress—one that needs a signature commitment soon. Mark Stoops better show some real motivation.