Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Kendrick Gilbert has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per Hayes Fawcett of On3, marking Kentucky Football’s first roster departure of the spring for the 2025 season. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 275 pounds, the Indianapolis product exits Lexington with three years of eligibility left, offering him a new beginning and giving the Wildcats increased roster flexibility. BREAKING: Kentucky DL Kendrick Gilbert is heading to the Transfer Portal, according to his representation.
The 6’5″, 275-pound defensive lineman will retain three years of eligibility. A former four-star recruit, he had 24 scholarship offers coming out of high school.
Recruitment Journey and Early Expectations
Gilbert entered Kentucky’s program with high hopes. A top player at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, he was considered a four-star by Rivals and ranked No. 2 in Indiana, No. 12 among defensive linemen nationally. He was originally leaning toward Purdue but changed course after Jeff Brohm left the Boilermakers. Gilbert committed to Kentucky on Signing Day and had drawn interest from powerhouses like LSU and Iowa. At the time, his decision was seen as a win for Kentucky, bringing in a lengthy and athletic lineman with long-term upside. As reported by Hayes Fawcett, Gilbert plans to transfer, taking with him his remaining eligibility.
Modest Production and Developmental Hurdles
After using his redshirt in 2023 with appearances in just two games, Gilbert aimed to grow in year two. During the 2024 season, he played in eight games, tallying five tackles and one tackle for loss. His most impactful outings came against Ohio and Southern Miss, but he logged only 53 defensive snaps across the season. Struggles like maintaining his playing weight seemed to affect both his consistency and availability. Despite Kentucky’s need for linemen, Gilbert didn’t secure a larger role in the rotation during his tenure with the team.
Depth Chart Dynamics and Strategic Moves
Gilbert’s decision aligns with evolving changes on Kentucky’s defensive line. The Wildcats brought in several linemen through the portal this offseason, such as David Gusta (Washington State), Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (South Dakota), and Jaden Williams (Wyoming). Additionally, 2024 signee Jerod Smith II is expected to compete for snaps, and last year, guard Austin Ramsey switched to defense to help with depth. With these roster shifts, Gilbert’s path to consistent playing time in 2025 looked unclear. His transfer appears to be a move driven by the need for more playing time and growth.
Looking Ahead
With Gilbert’s exit, Kentucky gains a valuable scholarship slot for future roster construction. While he didn’t make a major impact on the field, his transfer highlights the constant roster movement in today’s transfer portal era. For Gilbert, the move presents a fresh opportunity to start over and potentially reach the promise he showed as a highly recruited defensive lineman.
