With an SEC-caliber edge rusher and a top in-state receiver on campus, the Wildcats can't afford a slip-up. A strong performance against Toledo could shape the 2027 class, but a loss could be a devastating setback.
While Kentucky is focused on business against Toledo, recruiting business will also be front and center at Kroger Field. The Wildcats will host multiple key prospects from the Class of 2027, including a rising defensive edge presence from Alabama.
D’ante Seals, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge rusher rated a three-star by Rivals, will be in attendance, according to Justin Rowland. Seals already holds offers from Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Memphis, and others—a list that shows just how early the SEC elite have identified him as a future disruptor.
Joining him will be in-state standout Chance McPike Jr., a four-star wide receiver who has already committed to Sacramento State but remains an intriguing talent to monitor. At 6-foot-1 with quick burst, McPike is the type of player who can swing recruiting momentum in the Bluegrass if Kentucky stays in the mix.
Currently, the Wildcats’ lone 2027 commit is three-star quarterback DJ Hunter, giving Stoops and his staff plenty of work to do to build the foundation for that class. Hosting Seals and McPike Jr. on opening weekend is a significant opportunity.
Big addition to the visitor list. 2027 edge with offers from Georgia, Ole Miss, Miss St, Arkansas, South Carolina & others.https://t.co/tfIpXkSUkj https://t.co/6r6jpmCfdf
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) August 26, 2025
But there’s also risk. Hosting prospects during a potential trap game can backfire. If Kentucky comes out flat or—worst case—drops one to Toledo, it could dampen the energy these recruits feel in Lexington. Stoops knows that momentum is everything in recruiting. A strong performance Saturday could fuel excitement, build chatter among young players, and raise Kentucky’s national perception.
Bottom line: Kentucky has a chance to impress on two fronts this weekend—on the field and in the stands. How they handle Toledo won’t just impact the win-loss column; it may shape how recruits like Seals and McPike Jr. view the Wildcats’ future.
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