Kentucky football has made key additions in the transfer portal, securing wide receiver Ashton Cozart from SMU and offensive lineman Rob Folger from Ball State. This move comes after a challenging period, with head coach Mark Stoops working hard to rebuild the roster following several setbacks in the portal. Notably, Kentucky had faced struggles after Tru Edwards opted for the NFL, leaving the team in need of reinforcements.

Cozart, a former four-star recruit, has been a long-time target for the Wildcats. After originally committing to Oregon and spending a redshirt year there, he transferred to SMU, where he caught only one pass for 24 yards last season. Despite limited production, Cozart’s talent remains undeniable. Standing 6-foot-3 and hailing from Flower Mound, Texas, he brings speed and potential to a wide receiver group that’s been in flux. With three years of eligibility remaining, Cozart offers hope for a position that’s been in transition, giving Stoops and new wide receivers coach L’damian Washington a much-needed playmaker.

Meanwhile, Folger’s arrival adds depth to the offensive line. A redshirt freshman, Folger didn’t see playing time in his first two years at Ball State, but now joins a deep Kentucky offensive line room under second-year coach Eric Wolford. He’s not expected to start immediately but will provide valuable developmental depth, contributing to the unit’s overall physicality. Kentucky’s offensive strategy, under offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, aims to return to a run-heavy, smash-mouth style of play. With Stoops’ emphasis on strengthening the trenches and controlling the line of scrimmage, Folger could play a significant role in the future.

While neither Cozart nor Folger is a household name, their additions align with Kentucky’s broader strategy: enhance the line and bring in some downfield threats to complement a tough, physical brand of football. These moves reflect the Wildcats’ commitment to returning to their roots, where dominating the trenches and controlling the game on the ground were key to their success in the SEC.