The University of Kentucky has forged a legacy of athletic brilliance, from Kentucky basketball’s hardwood legends to Kentucky football’s gridiron warriors and stars across multiple sports. Big Blue Nation (BBN) reveres its champions, and with the 18-9 basketball squad chasing March Madness and football talents eyeing the NFL Combine, WBN is ranking the 20 greatest Wildcat athletes ever. Today, we unveil Nos. 20-11—tomorrow, the top 10 drop.
20-11: Rising Stars to Icons
20 Ellis Johnson (Football/Basketball/Baseball/Track, 1930-33) - Four-sport letterman, All-SEC football—versatility king.
19 De’Aaron Fox (Basketball, 2016-17) - 16.7 PPG, SEC Freshman of the Year—blazing speed led to Elite Eight.
18 Randall Cobb (Football, 2008-10) - 2,396 all-purpose yards, All-SEC—NFL standout with 1,027 career yards at UK.
17 Brandon Webb (Baseball, 1998-2000) - SEC Pitcher of the Year (2000), MLB Cy Young (2006)—ace with 15 UK wins.
16 Mary Tucker (Rifle, 2020-22) - Two NCAA titles, 2021 Tokyo Olympics silver—rifle prodigy with 5,941 career points (UKAthletics.com).
15 Pat Riley (Basketball, 1964-67) - 1966 SEC Player of the Year, 1,647 points—NBA coaching legend began at UK (NCAA.com).
14 Kyle Macy (Basketball, 1977-80) - 1978 NCAA champ, 89.6% FT shooter—clutch maestro with 1,411 points (UKAthletics.com).
13 Cliff Hagan (Basketball, 1950-54) - Two-time All-American, 1,475 points—NBA Hall of Famer, later UK AD (UKAthletics.com).
12 Ralph Beard (Basketball, 1945-49) - Two-time NCAA champ (1948-49), 1,517 points—career cut short by scandal (NCAA.com).
11 Jenny Hansen (Gymnastics, 1992-95) - Three NCAA all-around titles, 10 perfect 10s—gymnastics GOAT (UKAthletics.com).
Honorable Mentions: Wildcat Legends Just Outside the Top 20
Lynn Bowden Jr. (Football, 2017-19) - 2019 All-SEC QB/WR, 1,369 rushing yards—versatile spark (ESPN).
Derek Anderson (Basketball, 1995-97) - 1996 NCAA champ, 1,053 points—key to UK’s sixth title (UKAthletics.com).
Rex Chapman (Basketball, 1986-88) - 1,073 points in two years, 38.7% from three—King Rex dazzled (NCAA.com).
Kenny ‘Sky’ Walker (Basketball, 1982-86) - Two-time All-American, 2,080 points—sky-high dunker (UKAthletics.com).
Tayshaun Prince (Basketball, 1998-2002) - 2001 SEC Player of the Year, 1,775 points—defensive ace (ESPN).
Kentucky basketball and football dominate, but these athletes set the stage—stay tuned for the top 10 tomorrow on wildcatbluenation.com!
Who’s your favorite from 20-11? Share below and check back for Kentucky’s top 10 athletes tomorrow!