The offseason is well underway, and it is now transitioning into AAU season. As coaches from across the country head to different events starting with the live period this weekend, you can find Mark Pope and the majority of his staff in Memphis for the first Nike EYBL event of the year.
Kentucky
Martha Stewart nearly calls Kentucky ‘Connecticut’ in Derby ‘Riders Up’ call | Social media reactions
The 2024 Kentucky Derby has come and gone, marking an end to the pageantry that graces Churchill Downs every year.
As usual, the Derby — which saw Mystik Dan cross the finish line first this year — drew a who’s who of celebrities, athletes and influencers who came to take in the Louisville, Kentucky event.
REQUIRED READING: How much did Mystik Dan win today? 2024 Kentucky Derby winner’s share, purse breakdown, more
Among them in 2024: Martha Stewart, who held the privilege of performing the “Riders Up” call. However, the retail businesswoman, writer and TV personality very nearly committed a faux pas prior to the race, almost calling the state of Kentucky “Connecticut.”
What ultimately proved to be a minor slip of the tongue was, of course, immediately noted by fans. And, as is often the case in such scenarios, they were more than happy to take Stewart to task — especially on social media.
Here’s a sampling of the best reactions to her “Riders Up” call:
Martha Stewart ‘Riders Up’ call | social media reactions
As the clock winds down toward May 19, the recruitment of Miles Brown is entering the phase every SEC staff both loves and fears—the emotional stretch run. This is where relationships outweigh graphics. Where consistency matters more than hype. And where programs find out whether months of effort truly connected with one of the South’s premier defensive backs.
Brown, the electric four-star cornerback out of Martin, Tennessee, is set to announce his commitment with Rivals, choosing between the University of Kentucky, the University of Mississippi, the University of Louisville, and The University of Tennessee. But in the final days leading into the decision, Kentucky has positioned itself like a program determined to close strong.
The Wildcats’ presence in Martin throughout the spring evaluation period has not been accidental. Cornerbacks coach Allen Brown has made Brown a priority from the jump, first visiting on May 5 before returning the following week alongside defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. In recruiting, repeat visits this late in the process send a clear message: you are not simply wanted—you are viewed as a cornerstone. And when speaking with Brown, the foundation of Kentucky’s push became crystal clear.
“The relationships I have built with their staff and just the love they show on a day-to-day basis.”
That statement may be the most important quote of this recruitment. In today’s recruiting landscape, elite prospects are constantly evaluating more than football. They are studying energy. Authenticity. Development plans. Communication. Families want to know who will still be present when adversity hits. Brown’s comments suggest Kentucky has consistently answered those questions.
And from a pure football standpoint, it is easy to understand why the Wildcats — along with the rest of the finalists — continue pushing aggressively for his signature. Brown is built for modern SEC football. Long, instinctive, and explosive in transition, he brings the kind of multi-dimensional skill set defensive coordinators crave in today’s game. He has the frame to play physically at the line of scrimmage, the fluidity to survive in man coverage, and the ball skills of a wide receiver. That last trait is what jumps off the tape most. Brown does not simply defend passes. He attacks the football.
That mentality showed up throughout his sophomore season when he became one of Tennessee’s most dynamic two-way athletes. Offensively, he hauled in 54 receptions for 984 yards and 16 touchdowns. Defensively, he added 39 tackles and three interceptions while routinely changing momentum with his instincts and competitiveness. His state championship performance only elevated his national profile further, showing impact ability in all three phases of the game.
But what separates Brown from many highly ranked defensive backs is his understanding of development.
“I’m looking for a place where I can be developed and be the best version of myself.”
That answer reflects maturity beyond rankings and NIL chatter. Brown is focused on trajectory. He wants coaching. Structure. Accountability. The programs remaining in contention all offer different paths, but Kentucky’s staff has clearly emphasized long-term player development throughout the process.
Ole Miss continues to present itself as an aggressive SEC contender capable of producing defensive playmakers. Tennessee carries the natural home-state appeal and national momentum. Louisville remains firmly in the mix with strong relational ties. But Kentucky’s consistency late in the race feels significant.
The Wildcats are recruiting Brown like a future face of the secondary. As commitment day approaches, the final decision may ultimately come down to which program convinced Brown not only where he can play football but also where he can evolve into the best version of himself both on and off the field. That is the battle now unfolding behind the scenes. It is why May 19 suddenly feels like one of the most important recruiting dates in the region this spring, especially for Kentucky!
Featuring plenty of the class of 2027 and 2028’s top prospects, Coach Pope, Mo Williams, and Cody Fueger are trying to get some closer looks at the players they should focus on heading into another high school recruiting cycle.
Players that the staff watched on Friday include:
- ‘27 forward, CJ Rosser
- ‘27 guard, King Gibson
- ‘27 forward, Marcus Spears Jr.
- ‘27 guard, Ryan Hampton
- 27 guard, Beckham Black
- ‘27 wing Gabe Nesmith
- ‘27 guard, Chase Lumpkin
- ‘27 center, Paul Osaruyi
Plenty of names to keep up with as more names will likely emerge as the summer rolls on. Should be interesting to watch how the staff approaches this year’s recruiting cycle compared to the last.
This would have been fun.
A look at some of Kentucky’s newest football offers.
A familiar face heads to South Carolina.
Oweh continues to dominate.
Kerr will try to turn the Warriors back around.
Not a ton of rookie QB’s will get looks this season it seems.
It will be a low-scoring tourney in Philly.
Kentucky
Kentucky Newsmakers 5/17: Congressional candidate Erin Petrey; Visit Lex President Mary Quinn Ramer
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – On the latest edition of Kentucky Newsmakers, WKYT’s Bill Bryant talks with candidate for Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District Erin Petrey and Visit Lex President Mary Quinn Ramer.
Erin Petrey is one of several candidates running for the Democratic nomination for Kentucky’s sixth House District. She discusses what she would do in Congress
Later, Mary Quinn Ramer discusses the state of tourism in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
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