Kentucky football is mired in another forgettable season, but the coaching staff isn't standing still. While Mark Stoops preaches patience, insisting it takes "two, three (years)" to rebuild a roster in the modern era (a claim that raises eyebrows compared to faster turnarounds elsewhere like Indiana), the immediate focus is on patching holes through the transfer portal.
One major area of need? The offensive line.
Targeting trenches help
Despite showing improvement from last year's disastrous performance, Kentucky's offensive line still lacks the consistency and physicality needed to compete week-in and week-out in the SEC. Recognizing this, the Wildcats are actively pursuing reinforcements.
Following the recent firing of Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, players on the Cowboys' roster gained a 30-day window to enter the Transfer Portal. Kentucky is moving quickly, securing an official visit from offensive lineman Noah McKinney for next week, November 6th-7th (please don't do the dance).
Who is Noah McKinney?
McKinney, is a massive man listed at 6'4", 330 pounds, brings experience and size. Originally a three-star recruit who committed to UNLV in the 2022 class, he developed into a contributor at Oklahoma State. He primarily plays right guard and is currently regarded as a three-star transfer prospect. Scouting reports suggest he excels as a run blocker, particularly in zone-blocking schemes, though his pass protection may need refinement.
Another portal patch for the Big Blue Wall?
If McKinney chooses Kentucky, he would represent another short-term "rental" along the offensive line, a strategy the Wildcats have leaned on heavily in recent years as they try to recapture the dominance of the famed "Big Blue Wall."
However, constantly relying on portal additions presents challenges. Offensive line play is heavily dependent on chemistry, communication, and cohesion. Those elements take time and repetition to build. Integrating new pieces year after year makes establishing that long-term consistency difficult. While McKinney could provide immediate help, Kentucky's ongoing need to dip into the portal for offensive linemen highlights a potential gap in high school recruiting and development within the program that has to get better.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion