Kentucky's Derek Abney is One of the Best SEC Football Players of the 21st Century

We are a quarter of the way through the 21st century. The mile-marker inspired content creators to share their best moments and college football players from the first 25 years of the 2000s. You can’t tell the story of SEC football during that time without Derek Abney.

From 2000-03, he was Jared Lorenzen‘s favorite target, tallying 2,339 yards and 18 touchdowns on 197 receptions. He still ranks in the top five in UK history in all three major receiving records. Somehow, that’s not what made him one of the most electric playmakers in the history of the SEC.

Abney is arguably the best return man in the history of college football. Over his final three years at Kentucky, he returned two kickoffs and six punts for touchdowns. When his time in Lexington ended, the First Team All-American set seven NCAA records, 11 SEC records, and 14 school records. He was recently named to the SEC Quarter Century Team, chosen by the RotoWire sports statistics and analysis service.

A Tumultuous Time to be at Kentucky

Few players can say they experienced as many highs and lows as Derek Abney. He was recruited to Kentucky by Hal Mumme. Following his first season, Mumme was fired and Kentucky was put on probation. Offensive line coach Guy Morris was tasked to navigate the Cats through difficult waters, and in his second season, the Wildcats were sensational. Artose Pinner was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and they nearly captured eight wins, until the Bluegrass Miracle happened.

Probation prevented that team from going to a bowl game. Morris left UK for Baylor, and it was back to square one with Rich Brooks. Despite the change, expectations were high with Lorenzen and Abney returning. Things didn’t click right away.

After losing to Louisville and letting a win over Florida slip away in the fourth quarter, all hope seemed lost. Abney gave Kentucky fans a reason to cheer late in the season against Mississippi State.

Abney’s Favorite Return Touchdown

Kentucky trailed 17-14 in the third quarter when Mississippi State boomed a kick to the 20-yard line. That’s when No. 12 made some magic.

“As a player, you don’t really get to hear specific sounds, but you can feel the energy. On that one, it took kind of a while to build, and you can feel that too. By far, that has been my favorite,” Abney said, reliving his favorite score in a conversation with Kentucky Roll Call, one that unfortunately featured some technical difficulties.

“It was really a team effort where several of us fell into the end zone. It was later in my career and really special to me because one of the guys on the defense was a lead blocker for me, and it just so happens that one of the bodies fell in. He was on the bottom and I kind of fell on top of him. I was face-to-face, just laughing crazy, shaking his head up and down. LOOK WHAT WE’VE JUST DONE!”

What they just did was give Abney the record for most punt return touchdowns in NCAA history. It was an unforgettable moment. It just so happened that the Jefferson-Pilot cameras captured his family celebrating the milestone in the stands (:42 mark).

Derek Abney ties the NCAA record for Kick Return Touchdowns (2003) pic.twitter.com/OkzREeWrxI

— Karl Townes Van Zandt (@Karl_Townes) July 13, 2025

Kentucky Fans are Second to None

Even though his career did not always feel like a fairy tale, he wouldn’t trade it for the world. More than two decades later, he’s still blown away by Big Blue Nation.

“We always say this, but I’ve been out (of football) a while. I live in Charleston, South Carolina, so I experience fans differently. Of course, I’m not totally objective, but geez, Big Blue Nation, everywhere I see Kentucky hats and shirts,” he said.

“I do a lot of traveling for my work and I see them everywhere. They’re the best fans by far, honestly. They’re committed to basketball, football, or anything, and so when you connect with fans in ways like we did on special teams and individually, it was always special. I’m so appreciative to go to a place that. The faith is just amazing.”

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