Kentucky a Finalist for Top 50 EDGE

You rarely see Kentucky recruiting prospects from the state of Illinois. The Wildcats made an exception for Iose Epenesa. That early investment appears to be paying off for Kentucky.

Epenesa is the No. 50 player in America, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He’s ranked as high as No. 20 overall by 247 Sports. Now the 6-foot-4, 245-pound EDGE is down to just 10 schools.

Oregon, Illinois, Utah, Michigan, Miami, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Penn State and Texas made the cut for Epenesa.

He has three official visits planned in June. Nearby Missouri will get the first trip, followed by Iowa and Miami.

Most believed he was a shoo-in to Iowa. His older brother, A.J. Epenesa, recorded 11+ sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Hawkeyes before he was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. At this point in the process, Iowa is not even the leader in the clubhouse for the younger Epenesa.

Miami has a slight lead over the Hawkeyes in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). There’s a family connection on the Canes’ coaching staff that could be a difference-maker in this recruitment.

“It comes down to trust and experience in the coaches,” his father, Eppy, told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “Mario Cristobal is a legend. Defensive ends coach Jason Taylor is a NFL football Hall of Fame. DL coach Joe Salave’a is an NFL vet and Polynesian Hall of Famer and is like a little brother to me. We grew up together in America Samoa.”

Epenesa unofficially visited Kentucky ahead of spring practice. Today’s news means there’s a chance they can get a return trip over the summer. When recruiting Top 50 players, just being in the conversation can be a battle. Kentucky is in the mix for a great one.

Three Former Houston Wide Receivers in the Transfer Portal

Kentucky hit the transfer portal hard for wide receivers in December. That’s why they probably won’t add another in the spring. If Mark Stoops does want one more pass-catcher, Daikiel Shorts knows a guy, or three.

Three of Shorts’ former Houston wide receivers have entered the transfer portal in the last week. Josh Cobbs is the latest addition. He’ll be a grad transfer after starting his career at Wyoming. Sam Brown is looking for a new school after tallying 815 receiving yards for the Cougs last fall. Mikal Harrison-Pilot was a top 200 recruit when he signed with Houston a year ago.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.