Latest news with #KentuckyFootball
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kentucky football recruiting 2026: Texas WR Davis McCray commits to Mark Stoops
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football's 2026 recruiting class has taken time to come together. UK and coach Mark Stoops didn't receive their first commitment from a 2026 prospect until March 30, when in-state offensive lineman Jarvis Strickland elected to stay home. Two more months passed until the Wildcats landed their second pledge: Wide receiver Davis McCray joined the class June 3. Advertisement As of June 3, Kentucky's class sits 81st nationally — last among the 16 teams in the SEC — in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Here's a look at the Wildcats' 2026 recruiting class so far: Kentucky football recruiting 2026 commitments Davis McCray, WR High school: Cornerstone Christian (San Antonio) 247Sports Composite rating: 3 stars Commitment status: Verbally committed June 3 What to know: The Texas native played on offense and defense last season for Cornerstone Christian. On offense, McCray had 32 receptions for 639 yards and 10 touchdowns and added 38 tackles and a a forced fumble defensively. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound McCray also was part of the school's track and field team, competing in the 100 meters and long jump. Jarvis Strickland, OL High school: Paducah Tilghman (Paducah) Advertisement 247Sports Composite rating: 4 stars Commitment status: Verbally committed March 30 What to know: A 6-6, 294-pound offensive lineman, Strickland decided to stay in the Bluegrass State, becoming the first member of UK's 2026 class when he committed March 30. He also had offers from Louisville, SEC rivals Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vanderbilt as well as Big Ten schools Indiana, Maryland, Michigan and Michigan State. Strickland's high school teammate, Martels Carter Jr., is a member of the Wildcats' 2025 signing class. Reach Kentucky men's basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@ and follow him on X at @RyanABlack. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky football recruiting 2026 commits, class ranking: Mark Stoops
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Draft Steal Loves College Brothers Joining Him
If there's one thing that the Buffalo Bills have tried to build over the last decade under Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, it's a culture of familiarity with players from across the league. That means surrounding incoming draft picks with players they know and trust. Advertisement The latest example of that came two weeks ago. Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston was taken with the 30th overall pick in the 2025 draft. Three rounds later, the Bills went back to the Kentucky realm by selecting defensive tackle Deone Walker. Walker is a 6-7 specimen who has the ability to both stop the run and dominate in pass rushing reps. Playing with a former college teammate in Hairston, and last year's draft pick Ray Davis is something that excited the defensive tackle going into his rookie year. "I know Max told me as soon as he got drafted, he was standing on the table for me," Walker said via team reporter Maddy Glab. "…Max and Ray are like my brothers. A band of brothers who stick together, can't nobody stop you. So, it's just great to be back to being teammates with those guys." Teams drafting from one particular school is not unheard of. The Philadelphia Eagles are notorious for drafting defenders from Georgia over the last few years. Advertisement For the Bills to be focusing on Kentucky for their draft selections is not uncommon, even if it isn't from a top football program just yet, like the Bulldogs. The Bills are hoping that familiarity will help them in the long run, though. Related: Elijah Moore Takes Shot At Browns, Needs Bills' Josh Allen To Save Career Related: Bills Josh Allen Stands Alone as Optimism Key
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mark Stoops holds press conference ahead of spring football
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky Football head coach Mark Stoops spoke with the media Tuesday as the Wildcats get set for spring practice. 'Obviously, we know the season did not go the way any of us wanted to. Certainly, our players, our staff, and myself,' Stoops said. 'Since that day, you know, truly, the next morning it feels like we have not stopped. And that's a good thing. It's an exciting time.' Mark Stoops holds press conference ahead of spring football Some big games are ahead in the SEC this week. Here's where Kentucky comes into play Mikaylah Williams has strong second half as No. 7 LSU rallies over No. 14 Kentucky 65-58 After a 4-8 season in 2024, the program has seen a lot of departures and arrivals from both the coaching staff and players. The Cats have 31 new players on their roster; 20 of those came via the transfer portal, and the other 11 are early enrollees from the high school class of 2025. 'Couldn't be more pleased with what they've done thus far. You know, and just the attitude that they've had in the weight room, attacking the weight room,' Stoops said. 'We just had our first fourth-quarter program where we're really pushing them mentally. and, physically.' Kentucky swung and missed on some portal additions they brought in a year ago, so this time around the coaching staff has put an emphasis on each position group being more balanced. Read more of the latest UK sports news 'You know, we weren't deep enough at certain positions,' Stoops said. 'So, we're hanging our hat on specific, you know, people, and maybe they were injured, or maybe, they failed to meet our expectations, and it didn't work out.' The team is yet to announce the schedule for spring practice or if there will be a Blue-White Spring Game in 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
