Lincoln Watkins signs with Kentucky
Kentucky’s first signature on Day 3 of the early signing period has finally rolled in. Head coach Will Stein has retained the program’s only tight end commit in the 2026 cycle.
Lincoln Watkins is officially a Cat.
The Port Huron (Mich.) Northern tight end has been committed to Kentucky since June 21. The three-star prospect is the No. 614 overall recruit in the 2026 Rivals Industry Ranking. Lincoln Watkins loaded the stat sheet (39 receptions, 668 yards, 7 touchdowns, 42 tackles) as a junior and received some legitimate SEC interest. Florida hosted Watkins for for an official visit last summer and Tennessee was in pursuit during the season. However, UK was able to get this recruitment across the finishing line in December. This was tight ends coach Derek Shay‘s first recruiting win at Kentucky.
The Wildcats have now signed 11 high school prospects and two junior college transfers this week. Stein’s program might not be done just yet.
Kentucky’s 2026 signing class
| Player | Position | High School | Ranking |
| Matt Ponatoski | QB (6-2, 190) | Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller | 4-star (No. 226 overall) |
| Denairius Gray | WR (6-1, 170) | Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna | High 3-star (No. 522 overall) |
| Dallas Dickerson | WR (6-1, 180) | Bogart (Ga.) North Oconee | High 3-star (No. 589 overall) |
| Lincoln Watkins | TE (6-4, 225) | Port Huron (Mich.) Northern | 3-star (No. 609 overall) |
| Ben Duncum | DL (6-5, 250) | Austin (Texas) Lake Travis | 3-star (No. 748 overall) |
| Isaiah McMillian | CB (6-0, 170) | Katy (Texas) High | 3-star (No. 943 overall) |
| Justyn Hartley | LB/EDGE (6-2, 215) | Hoover (Ala.) High | 3-star (No. 953 overall) |
| Prince Jean | WR (6-0, 170) | Valdosta (Ga) High | 3-star (No. 1,049 overall) |
| Cameron Miller | T (6-5, 310) | Hammond (Ind.) Morton | 3-star (No. 1,072) overall) |
| Davis McCray | WR (6-2, 190) | San Antonio (Texas) Cornerstone Christian | 3-star (No. 1,295 overall) |
| Delvecchio “Deuce” Alston II | RB (6-0, 200) | Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville | 3-star (No. 1,421 overall) |
| Jordan Knox | iOL (6-2, 325) | Rock Hill (S.C.) Northwestern | JUCO |
| Braxton Urquhart | CB (6-2, 198) | Hoover (Ala.) High | JUCO |
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