Kentucky
Kentucky commit Nicholas Smith reaffirms pledge to Wildcats following Alabama offer
Nicholas Smith, a highly regarded defensive lineman from Georgia, has solidified his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats, reassuring fans and coaches alike that he remains fully dedicated to the Wildcats.
Despite increased attention from other programs, the 3-star recruit confirmed his plans to join head coach Mark Stoops’ defense in Lexington.
Smith, who originally announced his commitment to Kentucky earlier this year, has continued to impress with his size, strength, and potential as a defensive lineman. As his stock has risen, interest from other top programs has naturally followed, including a recent offer from the Alabama Crimson Tide.
However, Smith remains firm in his decision to play for the Wildcats, expressing confidence in Stoops’ leadership and the team’s future.
“I’m locked in with Kentucky,” Smith recently told KSR. “Coach Stoops and the coaching staff have been amazing throughout this whole process, and I really feel like this is where I belong. I want to be part of the growth and success that’s happening in Lexington.”
Stoops and his staff have built a reputation for identifying and developing top defensive players, and Smith’s decision to stay committed adds to the momentum the Wildcats are building on the recruiting trail. Smith’s versatility on the defensive front will provide Kentucky with another strong piece as they continue to bolster their defense.
Smith’s decision to reaffirm his commitment is a significant win for Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of Stoops’ strongest. His commitment strengthens the Wildcats’ future defense and sends a clear message that Kentucky is becoming a destination for top-tier defensive talent in the SEC.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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