Kentucky football just made another important addition to its 2025 recruiting class, landing a commitment from four-star safety Messiah Tilson, a top target from Illinois with offers across the Big Ten.
Tilson, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound defensive back out of Chicago, announced his pledge to the Wildcats over the weekend. Rated as a top-500 national prospect, the No. 40 safety in the class, and the 11th-ranked player in Illinois by 247Sports, Tilson’s decision marks a significant recruiting win for Mark Stoops and company — especially after recent turnover on the staff.
Despite heavy interest and offers from Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Kansas, and Rutgers, most experts had pegged Tilson to stay closer to home and ultimately choose the Scarlet Knights. But Kentucky’s persistence, led by veteran assistant Frank Buffano, helped close the deal.
Buffano’s efforts were especially notable in the wake of Vince Marrow’s departure to Louisville, a move that some thought might negatively impact Kentucky’s ability to land Midwest talent. But Tilson, for his part, made clear that Marrow’s exit wasn’t a factor — or even on his radar.
Tilson said last week it wouldn't matter because he didn't know who that was when asked about Marrow.
What Kentucky is getting in Tilson is a rangy, instinctive defensive back with length, versatility, and the upside to contribute early in his career. His frame and fluidity in coverage make him a strong fit in Kentucky’s evolving secondary, particularly as the Wildcats continue to emphasize athleticism and positional flexibility on the back end.
Tilson becomes the latest piece in a 2025 class that’s starting to take shape. While Stoops’ program hasn’t made headlines with splashy recruiting numbers yet this cycle, pickups like Tilson are a reminder that Kentucky is still very much in the mix for top-level talent — even without its longtime recruiting anchor in Marrow.
As Buffano and the rest of the staff continue to re-establish their footprint in key states like Illinois and Ohio, Tilson’s commitment could be a sign of more momentum to come.