The college football transfer portal is set to open on December ninth, and hundreds of players will be looking for new homes. The Kentucky football team is no different. They will have some players leave, and some will come to Lexington from other schools.
Though the portal hasn’t officially opened yet, there have already been a number of players to announce their intention to transfer. Several Wildcats are on that list, including some important players.
Dane Key will enter the transfer portal
Kentucky fans will have a lot of interest in the movement of players once the portal opens. Coach Mark Stoops will be looking to add talent as they attempt to bounce back from the program’s worst season since 2013.
The following is a list of every Kentucky player who has either announced he is leaving the Wildcats, or a player who has committed to transfer to Lexington. It will be updated as things change.
Outgoing: Dane Key – Wide receiver
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Dane Key has been one of Kentucky’s best players over the past three seasons. He was their best receiver in 2024 and his absence will be felt. His production will be difficult to replace.
Outgoing: Keeshawn Silver – Defensive line
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The defensive line will likely have big changes next season, and Keeshawn Silver leaving only adds to that. The former five-star recruit figured to be a key starter next season, but will move on instead.
Outgoing: Courtland Ford – Offensive line
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Injuries have hampered Courtland Ford throughout his career so far, but he’s a talented lineman with potential. He’ll look to be fully healthy, and find a starting job in the portal.
Outgoing: Khamari Anderson – Tight end
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Khamari Anderson is another former highly rated recruit leaving the Wildcats. He hadn’t managed to see the field and contribute as much as he would like, so his decision makes sense.
Outgoing: Jayvant Brown – Linebacker
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Jayvant Brown was a top 500 player in the 2023 recruiting class, but hadn’t played much for Kentucky. He played in just four games this year, and had just one tackle.
Outgoing: Avery Stuart – Defensive back
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Avery Stuart was another player who was a very good recruit, but hadn’t managed to see the field much for the Wildcats. He still has plenty of talent to contribute somewhere.
Outgoing: Walker Himebauch – Long snapper
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Though he played quite a bit in 2023, Walker Himebauch found himself as a backup long snapper in 2024. He does have experience, which will serve him well in the portal.
Outgoing: Tommy Ziesmer – Defensive line
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Tommy Ziesmer is a Kentucky product, but wasn’t able to break into the rotation in 2024. He was a three-star recruit, and should quickly find a new home once the portal opens.