Kentucky starting cornerback DJ Waller Jr. will likely miss another game in Week 3

Kentucky starting cornerback DJ Waller Jr. entered his second year with the program with high expectations. The former Michigan transfer had a healthy offseason and strong fall camp after battling injuries in 2024.

Unfortunately, that injury bug has not gone away in 2025. Waller was pulled for the Week 1 win over Toledo with an unspecified injury before becoming a late game week scratch heading into the Ole Miss game in Week 2. It sounds like the 6-foot-4 cornerback will not be suited up for the Week 3 contest against Eastern Michigan at Kroger Field on Saturday night.

“More than likely he’ll be out this week,” Stoops told reporters on Monday.

Without Waller last week, Kentucky allowed 235 passing yards against Ole Miss and had some issues tackling space. JQ Hardaway and Terhyon Nichols also had to play just about every snap with Maryland transfer Kevis Thomas playing just four snaps. Nichols earned his second career start in the game and is position to make his third career start against Eastern Michigan.

The Kentucky coaching staff felt that the secondary could be the strength of the football team this season. That strength has taken a hit early in the season due to the injury bug. UK will be short-handed at cornerback in Week 3 before the season’s first bye week arrives in Week 4.

Expect to see a ton of Hardaway and Nichols again at cornerback.

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