Rebuild on the rise: Kentucky football lands 15th commit, cracks top 50
One month ago, Kentucky football’s 2025 recruiting class was an empty cupboard. Today, it’s a stocked shelf—and climbing the rankings fast.
With the addition of QB Matt Ponatoski on July 6, the Wildcats now have 15 total commitments and have jumped into 48th nationally according to the composite team rankings at 247sports. It’s been a remarkable turnaround in just over 30 days, especially after losing ace recruiter Vince Marrow and seeing their lone early pledge flip to Louisville.
💥 From Unranked to the Top 50
The class is not elite yet, but it’s aggressive, calculated, and exactly the kind of response fans hoped for after a 4–8 season.
Head coach Mark Stoops and a motivated staff went nationwide to find talent. Kentucky now has commitments from 10 different states, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois.
🔑 Every 2026 Kentucky Commit (as of July 13):
Matt Ponatoski, QB – Moeller (OH): 4⭐, elite QB prospect.
Lincoln Watkins, TE– Port Huron Northern (MI): big physical TE that fits the run first style Stoops is getting back to.
Messiah Tilson, S – Guilford (IL): No. 26 safety in the country
Dallas Dickerson, WR– North Oconee (GA): Versatile playmakerwith elite speed
Denairius Gray, WR – Chaminade-Madonna (FL): Explosive slot with elite pedigree
Jordan Crutchfield, S – Vero Beach (FL): Big safety at 6'3 with deep-ball break-up ability
Tyreek Jemison, OT – Paulding County (GA): 6-5, 315-pound SEC build
Ben Duncum, DL – Lake Travis (TX): Smart, powerful interior presence
Isaiah McMillian, CB – Katy (TX): Fluid mover with speed
Max Mohring, LB – Malvern Prep (PA): 6-3, 215, sideline-to-sideline speed
Garrett Witherington, DL – Briarwood Christian (AL): 6-5, 290, disruptive lineman
Prince Jean, WR – Valdosta (GA): Underrated athlete with twitch
Davis McCray, WR – Cornerstone Christian (TX): Versatile weapon with size
Cameron Miller, OT – Morton (IN): 6-5, 310, road grader potential
Delvecchio Alston, LB – Hewitt-Trussville (AL): Undersized but instinctive
📈 Momentum is Real
For a class that was dead in the water four weeks ago, this kind of growth is a sign of life—and maybe the start of a new identity. It’s not just about who Kentucky lost, but who they're quietly building with.
The next step? Land a headliner or flip a blue-chipper. But make no mistake: the rebuild is in motion, and it’s gaining steam.