Kentucky Football Adds 14 New Faces Through Transfer Portal
The transfer portal continues to reshape college football, offering programs a chance to rebuild and reinforce their rosters. Kentucky Football has capitalized on this chaotic yet transformative landscape, officially announcing the addition of 14 transfer players to its roster. These signings bring a mix of veteran leadership, untapped potential, and positional depth, setting the stage for a fresh start after a challenging 2024 season.
While verbal commitments often make headlines, the journey from commitment to signing is anything but straightforward. Players like Tyler Baron—who flipped between multiple schools before landing at Miami—are a prime example of why official signings matter more than ever. Kentucky has avoided similar uncertainty by ensuring all 14 players have put pen to paper. Here’s a closer look at the newest Wildcats:
Quarterback
Zach Calzada (QB)
A seasoned veteran, Calzada brings experience and play-action prowess to Kentucky’s offense. Having struggled with consistency at previous stops, he now has an opportunity to reinvigorate a Kentucky attack that lacked spark last season.
Wide Receivers
Kendrick Law (WR)
A former Top 100 recruit from Alabama, Law flashes explosiveness but hasn’t yet reached his full potential. More playing time as a slot receiver could unlock his dynamic skill set, making him a key weapon in the Wildcats’ passing game.
J.J. Hester (WR)
Standing tall with a strong vertical game, Hester began his career at Missouri and later moved to Oklahoma, where injuries hampered his progress. Reuniting with familiar coaches at Kentucky, Hester has a chance to emerge as a deep-threat playmaker.
Running Back
Dante Dowdell (RB)
Known for his power-running style, Dowdell fills a major need in Kentucky’s backfield. After converting nearly 90% of short-yardage opportunities and scoring 12 touchdowns last season, he’s poised to provide the hard yards Kentucky missed in 2024.
Offensive Line
Josh Braun (OG)
A former Second-Team All-SEC selection, Braun brings veteran leadership and physicality to Kentucky’s offensive line. His experience will be invaluable in rebuilding the Wildcats’ “Big Blue Wall.”
Alex Wollschlaeger (OT)
A two-time All-MAC right tackle from Bowling Green, Wollschlaeger is expected to make an immediate impact. Before joining Kentucky, he’ll play one final game for the Falcons in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Wallace Unamba (OT)
Unamba’s journey includes stints at JUCO, FAU, and New Mexico, where his versatility earned him two JUCO All-American honors. With one year of eligibility remaining, he plans to bolster Kentucky’s offensive line under Coach Zach Yenser.
Evan Wibberley (C)
A Northern Kentucky native and WKU transfer, Wibberley steps in to help replace Eli Cox at center. His grit and local roots make him a strong candidate for leadership on the offensive line.
Tight End
Henry Boyer (TE)
Boyer arrives from Illinois to fill a critical gap left by offseason departures. At nearly the size of an offensive tackle, his blocking ability will be a major asset in Kentucky’s run game.
Defensive Line
Jaden Williams (DT)
The former Wyoming standout chose Kentucky over late interest from Georgia, Minnesota, Kansas State, and Arizona State. Williams brings size and versatility to a defensive front in need of reinforcements.
Linebackers
Landyn Watson (LB)
A transfer from Marshall, Watson is determined to bring a winning mentality to Kentucky. “My goal is to bring value to this university and help put it back on top,” he said. Watson’s leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial as the Wildcats rebuild.
Sam Greene (EDGE)
The first transfer portal addition of the offseason, Greene wasted no time signing with Kentucky. Known for his athleticism, Greene will compete for the starting Jack linebacker role next season.
Kameron Olds (EDGE)
Olds is fresh off a productive season at Kent State, where he recorded 42 tackles and six sacks. His pass-rushing skills add depth to Kentucky’s defensive edge.
Defensive Backs
Kevis Thomas (CB)
The Maryland transfer exudes confidence, promising to be a “lockdown corner” for the Wildcats. His skill set addresses a critical need in Kentucky’s secondary.
Looking Ahead
With 14 additions from the transfer portal, Kentucky has taken a significant step toward addressing the shortcomings of last season. The blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars gives the Wildcats a chance to compete at a higher level in 2025. If these players can fulfill their potential, Kentucky Football may have the pieces needed to rebuild its identity and climb back into contention.