Kentucky has not even kicked off the Will Stein era yet, but the new staff is already in the middle of a huge in-state recruitment.
Christian Academy Louisville standout Ja’Hyde Brown released a top 10 that included Louisville, Auburn, Indiana, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kentucky, Oregon State, Oklahoma State, Maryland and Vanderbilt. The Wildcats making that first cut matters. This is exactly the kind of in-state skill talent Stein has to land if he wants to change Kentucky’s ceiling.
Brown just put together the kind of junior season that looks made for a modern spread offense. He caught 98 passes for 1,566 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading his team to a state title. That’s not volume for volume’s sake; that’s dominance.
WHERE IS HOME ? 🏠 @LouisvilleFB | @IndianaFootball | @AlabamaFTBL | @BeaverFootball | @TerpsFootball | @AuburnFootball | @BadgerFootball | @UKFootball | @CowboyFB | @VandyFootball | @centurions_fb | @Aspirationsgym #Top10 @TomLoy247 | @Rivals | @247Sports | @On3sports |… pic.twitter.com/bEOyG7tdpK
— Ja’Hyde Brown 4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@JaHeisman) December 12, 2025
Why Ja’Hyde Brown looks like a perfect fit for Will Stein’s offense
247Sports scouting director Andrew Ivins called Brown a “dynamic offensive weapon” and a “chunk-play machine,” highlighting how he creates after the catch with his vision, burst and agility. He also noted that Brown should be viewed as a “game-wrecker at the Power Four level” that offensive coordinators will want to move all over the formation.
That sounds a lot like a Will Stein wideout.
Brown has primarily lined up inside, where he can turn quick game concepts and screens into long gains, but he’s also shown he can win outside with his coordination and concentration. Under 5-foot-11 but already carrying good mass, he profiles as a guy who can live in traffic, break tackles and keep the chains moving.
On top of that, he has the toolkit to add value as a return man, with a knack for making the first guy miss in space.
For Stein and whoever he decides to be his wide receivers coach, this is the type of 2027 recruit you build a cycle around: in-state, elite production, verified play speed and a national-level offer list. The fact Kentucky is on the card this early is step one.
Now the question is simple and brutal: can the new staff close on a player Louisville, Alabama and others are already circling?