The Kentucky Wildcats football program is undergoing a significant shake-up, with 23 players now entering the transfer portal. This exodus, while troubling on the surface, represents part of head coach Mark Stoops’ plan to rebuild key position groups after a disappointing season. One area of primary focus for Kentucky has been the offensive line, which struggled mightily in 2023 and is undergoing a near-total overhaul.
The latest departure is former four-star recruit Koby Keenum, a backup center who played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman. Despite his limited role, Keenum graded as one of the team’s better offensive linemen, making his decision to transfer surprising to some. However, it appears that Stoops and the Wildcats coaching staff are committed to a complete reset along the offensive line, even if it means losing some promising talent in the process.
Koby Keenum’s Potential and Opportunity
Keenum, with only one year of eligibility used, now has three more seasons to play at his next destination. For a player of his caliber, this provides an excellent opportunity to find a program that can better showcase his abilities and give him a larger role. As a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, Keenum’s departure may sting for Kentucky fans, but it’s a chance for him to start fresh in a system where he could thrive.
For Kentucky, however, this move is emblematic of a broader trend. The Wildcats offensive line, once a cornerstone of the program, has been in decline, with last year’s unit ranking near the bottom of the SEC and struggling nationally. Stoops made it clear that significant changes were coming, and Keenum’s exit appears to be part of that restructuring.
New: Kentucky backup center Koby Keenum has entered the transfer portal @TheCatsPause247 has learned.
Former 4-star signee from UK's 2023 class.https://t.co/BDhBrMf8fz@247SportsPortal
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) December 19, 2024
The Offensive Line Overhaul
Kentucky’s offensive line woes were one of the biggest contributors to their struggles in 2023. The Wildcats lacked consistency in pass protection and run blocking, a problem that hampered the effectiveness of their offense as a whole. Recognizing the need for improvement, Stoops and his staff have made the offensive line a top priority in the transfer portal.
So far, Kentucky has added three linemen through the portal:
- Joshua Braun: A versatile lineman who brings SEC experience to the group.
- Alexander Wollschlaeger: A promising addition with size and upside, providing much-needed depth.
- Wallace Unamba: A highly-touted recruit with the potential to make an immediate impact.
These additions signal Kentucky’s commitment to retooling the offensive line with players who fit their vision for a more physical and cohesive unit. However, with so many linemen leaving, including Keenum, the Wildcats will need to continue adding talent to reach the necessary depth and quality.
The Bigger Picture: Kentucky’s Portal Activity
The loss of 23 players to the portal highlights a turbulent offseason for Kentucky, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The Wildcats have managed to slow the pace of departures and have already brought in seven new players to address key needs. Stoops has been upfront about the need for a reset in certain areas, and while the process is painful, it could set the stage for long-term success.
The Wildcats’ approach seems to be rooted in the belief that short-term pain is necessary for long-term gain. By prioritizing portal additions who can contribute immediately and fit the team’s revamped strategy, Kentucky is betting on a faster turnaround.
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
While Koby Keenum’s departure may be disappointing, it underscores the urgency and necessity of Kentucky’s roster overhaul. For the Wildcats to compete in the ultra-competitive SEC, they need a stronger and more consistent offensive line, and that means difficult decisions about who stays and who goes.
As the Wildcats continue to navigate the portal, expect Stoops and his staff to remain aggressive in pursuing top talent to fill the gaps. With a clear commitment to improvement and an understanding of their weaknesses, Kentucky is poised to build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Though the losses are notable, the moves being made could ultimately put the Wildcats on a path to rebound from last season’s struggles. For fans, the hope is that this offseason’s upheaval will lead to a stronger, more unified team ready to tackle the challenges of the SEC.
