5 players that Kentucky football should target in the transfer portal
The portal officially closes for Kentucky football tomorrow, December 28th, but that’s only for entries. Players can take as long as they need to choose their new home. While most recruitments happen quickly, many may take weeks and go past the portal’s closing.
Here are five players that Kentucky should consider targeting that are still in the portal. Some of these players Kentucky may already be targeting but mostly it’s a wishlist of sorts.
1. Makhi Hughes – RB Tulane
NEWS: Tulane star RB Makhi Hughes has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per @PeteNakos_.
Hughes rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/zb7iajQngD
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 27, 2024
Tulane is one of the best running backs in the country and will most likely be headed to the NFL after next season. He’s explosive and generates impressive yards after contact. While Kentucky has already picked up a running back in this portal cycle, they would love to add another to the stable, especially a dynamic workhorse like Hughes. Kentucky has decided it will be committed to the run; having three great runningbacks would be a huge part of their success next season.
2. Percy Lewis – OT Auburn
Auburn offensive lineman Percy Lewis has entered the transfer portal as a grad transfer, @On3sports has learned.
Former Mississippi State transfer. https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/s5Bc8f3MjC
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 26, 2024
The Wildcats have basically created an entirely new offensive line this year in the portal. However, they haven’t added a player with the experience needed to dominate at the left tackle position. Lewis would fill that hole for them and give them the run-blocking force they would need on that side of the line.
3. Michael Coats – CB Nevada
Nevada CB Michael Coats has entered the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.
Coats posted 41 tackles and 4 INTs this season. Also recorded an 80.5 PFF grade. pic.twitter.com/wYH0n39AfX
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) December 27, 2024
A ball-hawk from the cornerback position. He knows how to high point the football, and he had four interceptions this last season for Nevada. Kentucky could use another cornerback, and Coats is one of the players they should target. He would be a plug-and-play addition for them. He’s ready to hold down one side of the defense.
4. Rahsul Faison – RB Utah State
Utah State running back Rahsul Faison has heard from Georgia, Florida State, Utah, UCF, Iowa State, Cincinnati, UNC, Cal, Kansas State and Kentucky since entering the portal.
Repped by @BNM_777k. Faison rushed for 1,845 yards last 2 seasons.
More: https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/Jj9afkUYii
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 24, 2024
This one is only if Hughes can’t be secured but is also a more likely addition to the running back room. We do know that Kentucky has expressed interest in him. Kentucky likely adds more than one running back in the portal, and Faison has the experience they are looking for to go along with Dowdell and Wilcox.
5. Donavon Greene – WR Wake Forest
Wake Forest standout wide receiver Donavon Greene has officially entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247Sports.
Greene, who has been on the NFL radar the last couple years, has 102 career catches and 13 career touchdowns.… pic.twitter.com/JMiGmVeVoC
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 27, 2024
Greene is an NFL-caliber receiver. He’s big, fast, and can secure the ball on the run while generating extra yardage after the catch. He’s struggled a little bit with staying healthy, but he would be a homerun for the Wildcats receiving room and someone Mark Stoops should go and grab. He would help make up for losing Barion Brown and Dane Key. Greene would be a nice compliment to Ja’Mori Maclin.
