Latest news with #KentuckyWildcats
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football gets commitment from blue-chip ATH Justin Williams in 2026 cycle
Florida football gets commitment from blue-chip ATH Justin Williams in 2026 cycle Florida football added local four-star athlete Justin Williams to its 2026 class on Sunday in the second of two signings for the Gators. The 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound prospect out of Gainesville (Florida) Buchholz chose the Orange and Blue over 26 other suitors that included the Kentucky Wildcats, Florida State Seminoles, Ole Miss Rebels and North Carolina Tar Heels. While he is listed as an athlete, his primary position is at wide receiver. Williams' proximity to campus allowed him to make frequent visits with the program and acclimate to Florida's coaching staff. His most recent official visit, however, was a major step toward his commitment. "It was cool to really see, get more in-depth," he told Swamp247. "I've been here plenty of times, but just getting to know the coaches more and building that relationship, it was really fun." Williams also forged a strong relationship with Gators head coach Billy Napier. "He's an amazing person. It's the best, best coach I've ever been around like I can just tell that from, previous visits, and this visit," he noted. "(I) got to meet his wife, super cool family. And as a coach, he has his track record, and I really believe he can get me to where I want to go." Maybe most importantly, matriculating at Florida also allows him to stay close to his family and friends — something Florida State and Kentucky could not quite offer. "My mom could just drive 20 minutes down the road coming to the games," Williams offered. "It's just really cool. I'm going to see all my friends sitting in the stands.' Justin Williams' Recruiting Summary Williams is ranked No. 235 overall and No. 15 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 188 and 27, respectively. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
More new Wildcats move in, embrace mission for banner No. 9
Five more Kentucky Wildcats officially arrived in Lexington on Thursday: Freshmen Malachi Moreno, sophomore transfer Kam Williams, freshman Jasper Johnson, freshman Braydon Hawthorne, and junior transfer Reece Potter. They join early arrivals Jaland Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, and Jayden Quaintance as Mark Pope's new-look roster continues to take shape. Kentucky men's basketball posted a video on Twitter of Moreno and Potter introducing themselves before move-in— both making it clear they understand the assignment: bring home banner No. 9. Advertisement Moreno, a 7-foot center from Georgetown, recently led Great Crossing to a state title. The McDonald's All-American and USA Basketball U19 camp invitee will wear No. 24 for the Wildcats. He averaged 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, and shot 72% from the field as a senior. Potter, 7-foot-1, returns to his hometown after two seasons at Miami (OH). A former Lexington Catholic standout, he appeared in 56 games for the RedHawks, averaging 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and shooting 36.7 percent from three as a sophomore. Hawthorne had a full-circle moment where UK posted on Twitter: A 'how it started vs. how it's going' image showing him as a young boy sitting next to legendary coach Joe B. Hall's statue, and now, doing it again before move-in. In the video, Hawthorne said he's ready to get to work. Alongside the other new Wildcats, two more arrived this afternoon and evening as Kam Williams and Jasper Johnson shared their goals for this upcoming season. Advertisement Williams, the Tulane transfer, was the first transfer commit of this portal class as he chose the Cats right in the thick of the NCAA Tournament. A player with legit NBA prospects going forward, watching his growth this year should be fun. Johnson is the most familiar name to the BBN, as the top-40 prospect has been on the fanbase's radar for quite some time. Now, it is official. We will finally get to see Johnson wear the blue and white. With key pieces now in place, Coach Pope's message is clear, and his players are ready to answer the call. More from
USA Today
03-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
Alabama among finalists for top uncommitted 2026 quarterback
Alabama among finalists for top uncommitted 2026 quarterback After reportedly setting an upcoming visit to Tuscaloosa, 2026 quarterback Matt Ponatoski has now announced a list of four finalists, a group that includes the Alabama Crimson Tide. In addition to Alabama, Ponatoski also includes the Arkansas Razorbacks, Kentucky Wildcats, and Oregon Ducks among his finalists. A two-sport athlete who is also a top baseball prospect, Ponatoski is currently rated as the nation's No. 278 overall player in the 2026 class regardless of position, per the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings. A four-star recruit, Ponatoski is also considered as the No. 21 overall quarterback in the class, as well as the No. 12 player in the state of Ohio where he attends Archbishop Moeller High School. At the moment, a commitment date is not currently set for Ponatoski. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Associated Press
01-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Kentucky eliminates regional host and 11th overall seed Clemson with 16-4 romp
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Kentucky followed a five-run third inning with a six-run fourth and the Wildcats pounded No. 11 overall seed Clemson 16-4 in an elimination game at the Clemson Regional on Sunday. The Wildcats (31-25) need to beat West Virginia (43-14) Sunday night and again on Monday to advance. Clemson, which has never won the College World Series in 12 appearances and was aiming for its first trip there since 2010, used a wild pitch and a groundout to grab a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Kentucky answered with two unearned runs in its half to tie it. The Wildcats took the lead for good when Cole Hage singled leading off the third before scoring on a wild pitch. Carson Hansen added an RBI single, and Ryan Schwartz's two-run single made it 7-2. Luke Lawrence and Hage had two straight RBI doubles to ignite the big fourth inning and the rout was on. Hansen finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Schwartz had two hits and drove in four. Wildcats starter Nate Harris (5-2) allowed three runs on six hits and four walks in six innings. Tigers starter Talan Bell (0-2) gave up six runs — five earned — in 2 1/3 innings. Jarren Purify went 4 for 4. Clemson finishes 45-18. ___ AP college sports:
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kentucky's The Basketball Tournament team, La Familia, has a head coach
Kentucky's The Basketball Tournament team, La Familia, has a head coach La Familia, the Kentucky Wildcats alumni team, had a very successful trip to The Basketball Tournament last year, finishing just a few games from the championship. In the 2025 TBT, they're looking to go win it all. The roster isn't complete yet, but Willie Cauley-Stein, the Harrison Twins, and Doron Lamb are set to be a part of it, with more to be added. Now, they also have their new head coach, who follows Tyler Ulis, who did it last year. Sean Woods was a star for the Wildcats under coach Rick Pitino. He was a three-year starter and one of the leaders of the team. He averaged nine points and five assists per game during his time in Lexington. Last year, he was an assistant coach for Ulis and La Familia, so it will be a seamless transition. Woods has coaching experience as well, having had jobs at multiple stops over the past decade plus. He's a guy the players will respect, and he will give it everything he has. Good luck to him when the play starts.
