Kiyaunta Goodwin will reportedly Enter Transfer Portal

by:Nick Roush•12/16/22•

RoushKSR

The highest-ranked signee in Kentucky football history could be on the move before ever recording a start for the Wildcats. Rivals’ Dave Lackford reports offensive tackle Kiyaunta Goodwin will tell Mark Stoops today that he is entering the transfer portal. KSR can confirm this report. (2:32 pm UPDATE) On3’s Matt Zenitz shares Goodwin’s name is now in the transfer portal.

A Louisville native, Kiyaunta Goodwin was a five-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, ranked as high as the No. 13 player overall by 247 Sports when he signed with UK last December. Goodwin was a high school All-American that appeared in every game in 2022 for Kentucky, but only sparingly in a reserve role and on special teams.

Goodwin had a high profile recruitment that featured more drama than Kentucky football fans are accustomed to seeing. First offered by Vince Marrow in middle school, the Goliath’s struggles with weight caused some schools to drop by the wayside. Kentucky’s consistent persistence paid off when he got back on track and verbally committed to UK in May.

He visited Lexington often throughout the 2021 season, but as it grew colder, he began to take official visits elsewhere. All five official visits were used outside of the state of Kentucky. Michigan State emerged as a late threat. On signing day he had a prepared televised announcement at the All-American Game. He stated he was not ready, then flew back home to hear final pitches from Mel Tucker and Mark Stoops. A few hours later Kiyaunta Goodwin ultimately committed to Kentucky on CBS Sports HQ and signed the following day.

Since his high profile recruitment, we have not heard much about Goodwin’s progress. Despite the offensive line’s struggles, the raw talent never got a significant shot at playing time. Mark Stoops explained last month why they decided against redshirting Kiyaunta Goodwin.

“We just felt like there would be a time when he would be ready to play. So, we want to continue to get him ready,” Stoops said after the Wildcats’ win over Missouri. “We were moments from putting him in there Saturday. You feel a guy like that is definitely going to be what you want him to be and if they are, they’re not going to be here for five years anyway.”

Stoops may have foretold the future quicker than expected. If Kiyaunta Goodwin does formally file paperwork to enter the transfer portal, he can withdraw his name and return to Kentucky or seek better opportunities elsewhere.