Oklahoma State Transfer OL Noah McKinney Locks in Kentucky Visit

Oklahoma State transfer offensive lineman Noah McKinney has been on Kentucky’s radar since he entered the portal. Now, he’s got a visit set.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound redshirt junior offensive lineman told KSR+ that he will visit Kentucky from Nov. 6-7. On3 college football insiders Pete Nakos and Steve Wilftong reported last week that McKinney has a top five of TCU, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Oklahoma.

“I haven’t personally heard anything from [Kentucky] since it’s game week, and I hit the portal late. I haven’t talked to anyone officially from Kentucky. They’ve been talking to my agent a lot,” McKinney told KSR+ in mid-October. “Their offensive line coach really likes me, and I’m pretty sure we’re going to try and set something up when they reach out to me after their game this week.”

An Unusual Scenario in the Portal

Noah McKinney’s status in the transfer portal is an unusual one. He entered the transfer portal earlier this year, but is remaining at Oklahoma State for the remainder of the season.

“If I’m being honest, [Oklahoma State] asked me to stay and play. They’re still paying me to stay and play, while letting me hit the portal,” McKinney said. “For them, it gives them the chance to try and retain me if they hire new coaches that I like. For me, it gives me the chance to talk to schools now, so when January is chaos, I don’t need to worry about it. I can already be committed to my new school when that comes around.”

McKinney previously told KSR+ that he’s looking to commit before December. He broke down what he’s looking for in a school.

“I’m trying to go somewhere and win. It’s been a lot of losing here at Oklahoma State during these last couple of years. It hasn’t been the Oklahoma State that I came to in 2023,” McKinney said. “I want to go somewhere and compete, even if it’s going to Kentucky, where we’re facing the biggest schools in the SEC every week. I’m good at what I do. If you put competition out there that you say is better than me, I’m going to go out there and show you why they’re not.”

Noah McKinney’s Game

According to Pro Football Focus, Noah McKinney is Oklahoma State’s second-best player to see at least 100 snaps this season. While his pass blocking rates better on PFF, he said not to overlook his run game.

“PFF will tell you otherwise, but I feel like I’m really good in the run game. I move very well for my size. I’ve been battling some ankle injuries this season, but even with the ankle injuries, I’ve been able to push through and play well,” McKinney said. “I’m really dominant in the pass game. I have good feet, can move really well, and have good hands.”

McKinney is the son of former NBA player Eric Snow, who went to Michigan State before a 13 year NBA career with the Seattle Supersonics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. His brother, Darius, is a linebacker at Michigan State.

“I’ve got a lot of connections with basketball, which is what Kentucky fans like,” McKinney said.

Back at it pic.twitter.com/XUDTvMcfx5

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) July 28, 2025