The Cats are making a major play for Paducah Tilghman's dynamic 2027 athlete, who will be in Lexington for the season opener this weekend.
The action at Kroger Field this Saturday won't just be on the gridiron. While the Cats may have their hands full with a tough Toledo team, recruiting will be happening too. The Kentucky coaching staff is hosting a critical recruiting visitor who could become a cornerstone of the program's future.
Chance McPike Jr., a 4-star athlete, according to Rivals, from Paducah Tilghman High School in the class of 2027, will be in town for an unofficial visit to watch the Wildcats take on the Rockets, who received votes for the top 25 AP poll this past week.
McPike is currently committed to Sacramento State, but his recruitment has exploded recently. Power Five programs have taken notice of the dynamic in-state talent, with schools like Wisconsin extending offers and turning up the heat. Now, the hometown Wildcats are making a concerted push to keep one of Kentucky’s best prospects at home.
The 2027 recruiting class is just getting started for the Cats, with 3-star Tennessee quarterback DJ Hunter currently serving as the lone commitment. Having a QB committed should definitely help bring in offensive players, and that is what the Wildcats will be hoping happens. Adding a versatile, high-ceiling athlete like McPike would be a massive statement for the staff.
Having McPike on campus for the energy and excitement of a season opener is a huge opportunity. A loud, passionate Big Blue Nation and a convincing win on the field could go a long way in showing him that Lexington is the best place to play his college football. Kentucky will be doing all it can to flip the 4-star in-state star.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion