4-star QB reaffirms commitment to Kentucky after Will Stein hiring

Coaching transitions usually spell disaster for recruiting classes. When a long-time head coach like Mark Stoops leaves, the "vultures" from rival programs typically circle the commit list, looking to poach top talent.

But for Kentucky’s highest-rated offensive commit, the hiring of Will Stein didn't cause hesitation, it solidified his decision.

Matt Ponatoski, the 4-star quarterback and dual-sport phenom who signed with the Wildcats under Stoops, has officially reaffirmed his commitment to the program. Instead of exploring his release or looking at the transfer portal before arriving, Ponatoski is doubling down on the Cats.

Matt Ponatoski and Will Stein have a Duck connection

In a stroke of luck for Kentucky, the new head coach is a familiar face to the Ponatoski family.

During his time as offensive coordinator at Oregon, Will Stein heavily recruited the Cincinnati Moeller standout. The two built a strong relationship, with Stein identifying Ponatoski early as a perfect fit for his multiple offensive system look.

When the news broke that Stein was taking the reins in Lexington, Ponatoski didn't need to be re-recruited. He simply took to social media with a two-word message that should calm the nerves of Big Blue Nation: "Why wait."

A rare dual-sport star

Keeping Ponatoski in the fold is a massive victory for the athletics department as a whole, not just the football program.

Ponatoski is one of the premier athletes in the country, holding legitimate professional potential in both football and baseball.

• On the Gridiron: He is a consensus 4-star prospect known for his accuracy and processing speed, traits that are non-negotiable in Will Stein's offense.
• On the Diamond: He is a dynamic infielder who plans to play for Nick Mingione’s baseball program, further deepening his ties to the university.

Stabilizing the class

Ponatoski’s public reaffirmation sends a powerful signal to the rest of the 2025 signing class.

Quarterbacks are the leaders of the class. When the QB wavers, the class crumbles. When the QB plants his flag, the class rallies. By locking in immediately with Stein, Ponatoski has likely saved Kentucky from a decommitment wave.

He was sold on Kentucky before. Now, he gets to play for the offensive coordinator who recruited him to Oregon, right in his backyard. For Ponatoski and Kentucky, it is the best of both worlds.