Kentucky Sees Five Players Enter Spring Transfer Portal

The spring transfer window has been active for Kentucky football, as five Wildcats have officially entered their names into the portal in recent weeks. The latest departure is interior offensive lineman Marc Nave, according to Pete Nakos of On3. marking another offseason shuffle for head coach Mark Stoops as he works to retool the roster for the 2024 season.

A Toledo, Ohio native, Nave initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to Kentucky late in the 2023 recruiting cycle, thanks in large part to the efforts of recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow. Nave redshirted his freshman year in Lexington, appearing in just one game. At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, he was seen as a developmental prospect on the interior offensive line. He’ll now look for a fresh start elsewhere with four years of eligibility remaining.

Also on the way out is cornerback Jiquavious “Quavo” Marshall, his agent telling Athlon Sports. Marshall a freshman from Eastside High School in Macon, Georgia. Marshall spent just one season at Kentucky and did not see the field in 2023. His departure creates a depth concern in the secondary as the Wildcats look to reload on defense.

Another offensive lineman, Anfernee Crease, is on the move as well, per his X page. Crease’s path to Kentucky included stops at Texas-Permian Basin and Navarro College before landing in Lexington. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound tackle appeared in only two games last season and spent most of the spring behind the starters. With his departure, Crease will now be looking for his fourth program in as many years.

Defensive lineman Kendrick Gilbert, one of the more high-profile names on the list, is also exiting, per Hayes Fawcett of On3. Gilbert, a former four-star recruit from Indianapolis Cathedral, initially committed to Purdue before flipping to Kentucky after Jeff Brohm’s departure. He redshirted in 2023 and played in just eight games this past season, logging five tackles and a tackle for loss. Despite flashes of potential, Gilbert struggled to keep weight on and found it difficult to break into the rotation. With three years of eligibility left, he’ll likely draw significant interest in the portal.

Rounding out the list is freshman offensive lineman Daniel Mincey, he announces on his X page. Daniel is the younger brother of current Kentucky tackle Gerald Mincey. A late addition to the 2024 class, Daniel was considered a developmental piece and saw action in only one game during his lone season in Lexington.

With these five departures, Kentucky now has an additional scholarship spot open and the flexibility to make late additions to the roster, whether from the portal or through late high school pickups. As the Wildcats continue spring preparations, roster fluidity remains a key storyline heading into summer workouts.