Kentucky DB Zion Childress declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Kentucky defensive back Zion Childress has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on Saturday.

Childress spent three seasons in Lexington after transferring from Texas State ahead of the 2022 season. He was a mainstay in Mark Stoops’ secondary since his transfer.

“Forever grateful for the unconditional love and support I have received along this journey,” his statement reads. “From San Marcos, Texas to Lexington, Kentucky — the mission will always be the mission. I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”

Thank you BBN 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/SjVQyvVUtD

— champ (@ZionChildress) December 7, 2024

During his time in Lexington, he compiled 147 total tackles (93 solo) for the Wildcats over the past three seasons. He logged one sack during each season he played at UK, but failed to ever intercepted a pass. His lone career interception came during his sophomore season at Texas State in 2021.

Overall, he was 282 tackles to his collegiate resume, 169 solo and 17 PBUs to go with his three sacks, three forced fumbles and lone interception.

Childress opted to return to Kentucky for his super senior year nearly a year ago to the day, saying he had more to accomplish in Lexington before moving on to the next stage of his career. He finished the year ranked fourth on the team in total tackles with 55.

Due to Kentucky’s 4-8 finish to the season, Childress did not get to participate in a bowl game as the Wildcats’ eight-year bowl streak came to an end. He did get to play in the Gator and Music City Bowls during his first two seasons on campus. The Wildcats were 18-20 overall during this stretch.

Before college, Childress was a three-star recruit, per the On3 Industry Rankings, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 1,250 player in the 2020 recruiting class.

Now, Childress sets his sights for the 2025 NFL Draft.