Kentucky football loses another recruit, younger brother of a current player, could it mean they are both gone?

In yet another gut punch in a series of a lot of them, Kentucky football fans received another dose of disappointment as Class of 2025 offensive tackle Tucker Kattus decommits. The younger brother of current Wildcat tight end Josh Kattus announced his commitment to flip from Kentucky to Clemson.

Tucker, a 6’5, 304-pound prospect out of Cincinnati, Ohio, had been committed to Kentucky since March 27th.

Despite being a three-star recruit, his potential drew offers from powerhouse programs like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri, among others. Losing a recruit of his caliber stings, but the familial connection makes this setback even more painful.

What this means for the Wildcats

Tucker Kattus was recruited heavily by Vince Marrow, a key figure in Kentucky’s recruiting success. You have to wonder if the Big Dog has lost his bite? His decommitment is a glaring signal that Kentucky’s recruiting struggles are becoming more pronounced.

It’s particularly concerning given Mark Stoops’ recent commitment to remain with the program amid speculation about his future with fans wanting him fired. Losing Tucker raises questions about Kentucky’s ability to secure high-potential recruits—even those with direct ties to the program. Especially at such a big need as offensive line, where the bulk of issues have been the last 3 years.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Kentucky’s offensive line has been an area of concern, and Tucker, with his size and skill set, was expected to bolster the group. His decision to choose Clemson, a perennial playoff contender, shows that recruits aren't going to be satisfied just playing in the SEC any longer. They want to win.

The Josh Kattus question

Tucker’s decision also casts a shadow over his older brother Josh Kattus, a junior tight end who has been a steady but unspectacular contributor during his time in Lexington.

Josh, a former three-star recruit, came to Kentucky with high expectations but has yet to emerge as a significant offensive weapon. Over three seasons, he has recorded just 21 receptions for 310 yards and four touchdowns.

This raises a critical question: could Tucker’s flip signal a potential transfer for Josh? Tight ends have not been a focal point of Kentucky’s offense under Stoops, and with Josh’s production limited, a fresh start elsewhere could be appealing.

Big picture

Kentucky fans are justifiably frustrated with all things football. The program has seen a string of recruiting losses recently, and the flip of a legacy player like Tucker Kattus adds insult to injury. While Mark Stoops remains committed to the program, which you can read about here, moments like these test the patience and optimism of even the sunshine pumpers in the Big Blue Nation.

For Kentucky to regain momentum, the Wildcats must reverse this trend. Otherwise, the promise of competing in the SEC will remain just that—a promise unfulfilled with a 9 million dollar man at the helm.