Transfer Portal Diaries Day 1: Gathering Data

The transfer portal is all-consuming for the Kentucky football program over the next month. There’s a lot happening with news flying off the shelves. It can be hard to track.

Over the next month or so, KSR will be sharing a daily diary of all the biggest transfer portal news from the day prior. I’d prefer nightly recaps, but the brain synapses just aren’t firing after long days of scouring social media. Start your day with another cup of coffee (I’m changing it up with hazelnut today) and a daily dose of transfer portal news.

End of the Chip Trayanum Era

Kentucky had one of its greatest success stories from the transfer portal in 2023. One year later they tried to find their next Ray Davis and failed. Chip Trayanum is back in the transfer portal after toting the rock 19 times for 101 yards in a Kentucky uniform.

The move was surprising for two reasons. One, Mark Stoops said on Wednesday that Chip expressed a desire to return. Even if the Kentucky NIL package decreased, it made sense for Chip to stay put and avoid four schools in six years. But he came to Kentucky to be a bell-cow back and that probably wasn’t going to be the case in 2025 after injuries prevented it from happening in 2024.

Kentucky Up To 19 Departures

There were four new entries to go along with Trayanum: Gavin Wimsatt, Brandon White, and Caleb Redd. The latter was the first 2024 prospect to leave the program. White’s departure means only two members of the highly-touted 2022 class remain: Josh Kattus and Alex Afari.

Kentucky’s 19 departures are second only to Arkansas in the Power Four ranks.

One thing I’ve noticed today is that God is giving out a ton of transfer portal advice. Major college football fan.
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) December 9, 2024

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

Big Fish at Running Back

Trayanum and DSK are out. Marquise Davis was a late flip to Missouri. Kentucky is down to three scholarship running backs, Jamarion Wilcox, Jason Patterson, and Tovani Mizell.

Kentucky is desperate to find production at the position Mark Stoops has leaned on over the years. Ahmad Hardy is the first big fish they’re trying to reel in. The ULM Warhawk ranked 11th in the FBS with 1,351 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns last fall. He’s a baller. Ole Miss is getting the first visit. They aren’t the only big-game hunters Kentucky will have to fend off to get him in Lexington.

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Options at Offensive Tackle

Offensive line is clearly the top priority in this transfer portal class and we already know of at least three offensive tackles on the Wildcats’ Big Board. Derek Simmons is from the FCS ranks. He’s picked up an Oklahoma offer since Eric Wolford got involved. Isaiah World‘s name fits the larger-than-life tackle from Nevada. Rice’s Ethan Onianwa might be the best of the bunch.

Two Early Visitors

Jacob Polacheck has been hitting the virtual pavement for KSR+ and has already confirmed two OVs. Marshall LB Landyn Watson is getting to campus on Thursday and things might move quickly in that recruitment. OT Derek Simmons is starting his visit to Kentucky on Monday.

Join KSR Plus! With a KSR Plus membership, you get access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.

Transfer Portal Frequent Flyers

A couple of familiar names for Kentucky football fans are addicted to the transfer portal. Kentucky lost out to Texas A&M in the 11th hour for Naquil Betrand‘s services. The offensive tackle spent one season in College Station, one in Tuscaloosa, and now he’s back in the transfer portal. DL Tomiwa Durojaiye started his career at Kentucky, spent a productive year at West Virginia, then only got one sack this fall for Florida State. He’s looking for his fourth school in as many years.

Alabama got an Early Commit

Some Crimson Tide fans are concerned that they lost 10 players a day after missing the CFB Playoff. They should be celebrating their big addition. Kalen DeBoer got himself a punter, one who can blast the ball 80 yards down the field. Ten players for one punter? Sounds like a fair trade.

I didn't think this Colorado School of Mines punt would ever come down (via @tole_cover) pic.twitter.com/Z4KJ8ubKtv
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) September 6, 2024