The Kentucky Wildcats are making waves in the transfer portal as they look to strengthen their defense for the 2025 season. After losing key contributors to graduation and the NFL, Kentucky has aggressively targeted high-impact players to fill critical gaps, with a strong focus on bolstering the pass rush. The departures of JJ Weaver and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who together accounted for 8.5 of the team’s 24 sacks last season, have left a significant void in the Wildcats’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Now, it seems one of the most sought-after edge rushers in the portal, Kameron Olds from Kent State, may be leaning toward joining the Wildcats. According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, a leading transfer portal expert, Kentucky has emerged as the frontrunner for Olds’ services.
“I’ve logged a pick for Kent State EDGE Kam Olds to land at Kentucky,” Nakos shared, adding further momentum to the Wildcats’ pursuit.
Olds, who initially began his collegiate career at Buffalo, has grown into a disruptive defensive presence. After limited opportunities at Buffalo, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge rusher transferred to Kent State, where he thrived as a playmaker. This past season, Olds tallied 42 tackles (25 solo), six sacks, and even snagged an interception, showcasing his versatility. Known for his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield, he also demonstrated the athleticism to drop back and cover space, making him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s defensive scheme.
I've logged a pick for Kent State EDGE Kam Olds to land at Kentucky.
He had 42 tackles, 6 sacks and an interception this season. https://t.co/VxSGJEUisH pic.twitter.com/qKuNk04RMQ
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 22, 2024
Olds recently visited two SEC programs, Kentucky and Ole Miss, over the weekend as he considers his next destination. While Ole Miss presents a compelling option, Kentucky appears to hold the edge, thanks to the team’s aggressive recruitment efforts and the opportunity to step into an immediate impact role.
For head coach Mark Stoops, landing Olds would provide a much-needed boost to a defense in transition. Olds’ skill set as a chaos-causer aligns perfectly with Kentucky’s need for a dynamic pass-rusher who can disrupt offenses and create turnovers. With three years of college experience under his belt, Olds is seasoned yet still hungry, as he has just one year of eligibility remaining to make a name for himself in the highly competitive SEC.
If Olds chooses Kentucky, he would join a growing list of transfer portal additions aimed at reloading the Wildcats’ roster for a strong 2025 campaign. While nothing is official yet, the buzz surrounding Olds’ potential commitment reflects the Wildcats’ ability to attract top-tier talent and their determination to remain a force in the SEC. All eyes are now on the former Golden Flash as he weighs his options, but the signs are pointing toward Big Blue Nation as his next home.