Despite losing 31 players to the transfer portal this year, the Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Mark Stoops have the No. 12 transfer class in the nation, with 23 players committing to the program.
Most recently, Stoops picked up a commitment from a promising young player who has struggled to find his footing throughout the start of his collegiate career. Tight end Elijah Brown, who was a four-star prospect out of high school, started his journey with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Just a few months after enrolling in Tuscaloosa, Brown was in the transfer portal and played a season for the FAU Owls before hitting the portal once again.
In December of last year, Brown committed to the UCF Knights before once again hitting the transfer portal in April of this year. Now, the tight end has committed to the Wildcats in hopes of finding his home.
During his two seasons for the Owls, Brown played in 10 games, both on special teams and at tight end. In the 2024 season, he recorded a 22-yard reception against the Charlotte 49ers.
Why did Mark Stoops recruit Elijah Brown?
Despite not having a lot of stats in the book, Brown has the experience of a veteran tight end. He played a crucial role in FAU's win over Wagner as he helped lead the special teams charge, as well as providing key blocks while playing tight end.
Last season, Brown was only targeted three times by FAU quarterbacks Cam Fancher and Tyriq Starks, earning the singular 22-yard reception from Starks against Charlotte.
His size and experience combine to make him a valuable player to have on the Wildcats' roster, and Stoops made the right call in bringing him to town.