Kentucky Football Transfer Portal Recap: Key Pickups and Significant Departures for 2025

The 2025 college football season sees Kentucky once again embracing the wild world of the transfer portal. With over 20 new players joining and several notable names moving on, the Wildcats’ roster has experienced a substantial shake-up. Here’s a closer look at the most impactful incoming and outgoing players.

🟢 Top Transfer Additions

While quarterback Zach Calzada and running back Dante Dowdell are expected to be the focal points of the new-look offense, Kentucky’s portal activity goes far deeper. Several under-the-radar but high-upside players could make an immediate difference:

TE Elijah Brown (from UCF)

Standing at 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, Brown is a redshirt junior with SEC-level tools. Ranked 90.74, he combines size and athleticism to give offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan a reliable target over the middle. Expect him to become a go-to option in the red zone and a steady presence in run blocking.

WR Hardley Gilmore (from Nebraska)

A former high-profile recruit, Gilmore is known for his blazing speed and ability to take the top off defenses. After briefly joining Nebraska, he re-entered the portal and returned to Lexington. In Kentucky’s vertical passing attack, he may finally showcase his full potential.

RB Seth McGowan (from New Mexico State)

With a 92.56 NIL valuation and prior Power Five experience, McGowan is a tough, downhill runner. The 215-pound senior should be in the mix for the lead back role, especially with Kentucky reshuffling its offensive line.

EDGE Mi’Quise Grace (from South Dakota)

A standout at the FCS level with a 92.15 rating, Grace is a long, athletic pass rusher who could make waves in the SEC. He adds much-needed explosiveness off the edge for a unit seeking more quarterback pressure.

DL David Gusta (from Washington State)

Rated 92.49, Gusta arrives as one of the top interior defensive line transfers. With SEC-ready physical traits and experience, he’s expected to anchor the defensive front from Day 1.

WR Ashton Cozart (from SMU)

Another speed-and-size combo at receiver, Cozart (6’2.5”, 91.86 NIL valuation) brings big-play potential to an increasingly dynamic receiving room. He’ll add competition and depth on the outside.

OT Shiyazh Pete (from New Mexico State)

A massive addition at left tackle, the 6’8”, 287-pound Pete is an all-conference talent with starting expectations. His arrival solidifies the blindside protection for whoever wins the QB job.

🔴 Most Significant Departures

While Kentucky brought in several difference-makers, they also lost a few key contributors—none bigger than wideouts Barion Brown and Dane Key. Brown heads to LSU, while Key now plays for Nebraska. Key’s consistency and production made him one of the most dependable players on the roster.

Beyond those two, here are more painful losses:

DL Kendrick Gilbert (to Louisville)

Gilbert’s switch to rival Louisville is particularly tough for fans. A former top recruit with an 87.00 rating, he showed flashes of greatness. If he blossoms with the Cardinals, it’ll be a major “what if” for Kentucky.

DL Darrion Henry-Young

The former Ohio State transfer never quite lived up to expectations, but his presence still added experience and depth. At 85.00, he had the tools to start and his exit weakens the defensive line rotation.

IOL Marc Nave (to Purdue)

Nave is a young, promising interior lineman with a strong frame (6’4”, 320). His transfer to Purdue could hurt Kentucky’s long-term offensive line stability.

IOL Wallace Unamba (to Virginia)

A seasoned lineman at 6’5”, 335 pounds, Unamba was battling for second-team reps in spring camp. Still, losing his experience and size from the depth chart is a blow to a unit still finding its identity.

🔄 Overall Impact of Portal Activity

Head coach Mark Stoops and his staff were proactive in filling gaps and adding talent. Kentucky targeted the trenches, bolstered skill positions, and raised the overall depth on both sides of the ball.

Yes, they lost a few promising players—and Gilbert’s move to Louisville will be closely monitored—but the incoming talent gives Kentucky a better roster today than they had at the start of the year. There may not be as many household names, but there’s greater balance and more upside.

The offensive line looks stronger. The receiver corps is deeper. And the defense—particularly the front seven—has a fresh edge to it.

These portal wins don’t guarantee success, but they give the Wildcats a fighting chance to surprise in the SEC this fall.

Next steps? Keep an eye on how the quarterback competition unfolds and whether this revamped lineup can gel quickly during fall camp.