Kentucky LB Trevin Wallace Declares for the NFL Draft

trevin-wallace-selected-3rd-round-nfl-draft-panthers — (Dr. Michael Huang | KSR)

The Kentucky defense has a big hole to fill in 2024. Trevin Wallace announced Friday evening that he is declaring for the NFL Draft.

The Kentucky linebacker shared the news on Instagram. It’s unclear if this decision means he will abstain from playing in the Gator Bowl against Clemson.

Wallace is departing after only three seasons in Lexington. Last fall he was second on the team in tackles with 69. At one point in September he led the SEC in sacks, ultimately finishing the year with 4.5 quarterback take-downs. He also picked off a pass and forced a fumble.

A heralded recruit from South Georgia, Wallace initially planned to play for Auburn. A late coaching change gave Kentucky an opportunity to slide in and snag the Top 100 talent. He played significant snaps in each of the last three years and started with a bang in 2021. He returned a Josh Paschal blocked field goal for a touchdown, igniting the Kroger Field crowd before the BBN rushed the field to celebrate a victory over Florida.

Wallace is the second underclassman from the Kentucky defense to declare for the NFL Draft this offseason. Cornerback Andru Phillips received an invite to the Senior Bowl shortly after sharing his announcement to depart for the professional ranks.

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The Wildcats are currently recruiting Trevin’s younger brother, Tavion Wallace. Trevin is quick to admit that his brother is the far superior talent. Tavion is currently ranked as the No. 24 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class by On3.

The Kentucky linebacker succession plan has really never gone according to script. Jamin Davis had a productive year in 2020, but nobody expected him to declare for the NFL Draft. He left early and rose up into the first round. His replacement, D’Eryk Jackson, suffered an Achilles tear the following spring, forcing Kentucky to find a replacement in the transfer portal.

Kentucky found a gem with Jacquez Jones. Will they be so fortunate this time around? The Cats need to be. Wallace’s running-mate, D-Jack, participated in Senior Day festivities and walked at graduation today. He could join Wallace and depart for the NFL Draft. Time will tell, but the Kentucky coaches can’t waste it.