A Tricky Spot for the Future of the Kentucky Offensive Line

It was a rough Saturday in Nashville for the Kentucky offensive line. Vanderbilt’s blitz-happy defense continually confused the Cats. Cutter Boley was under duress all afternoon, and the rushing attack was completely taken away, mustering just 31 yards on the ground in the 45-17 loss.

The Cats were also put into an injury bind. The first five on the offensive line had a clean sheet of health through the first ten games of the season. In the second quarter, right guard Jalen Farmer was forced to the sideline. Evan Wibberley entered the game at center, and Jager Burton moved to right guard. Fortunately, Farmer was able to return on the following series, but that brief time on the sideline had significant consequences for the final game of the regular season.

Kentucky recruited Wibberley from WKU to be the Cats’ starting center. When Burton made the move to the position during spring practice and excelled, Kentucky saw an opportunity to keep Wibberley around a little longer.

Kentucky offensive line coach Eric Wolford revealed last week that the plan is to redshirt Wibberley, giving the Northern Kentucky native two more years in Lexington to be the Cats’ starting center.

“We always want to do what’s best for the program long-term,” Wolford said. “He has one more game he can play in and still have a redshirt with two years left. That would be a huge plus for us moving forward. You always gotta look out for the best interest of the player too, continue to develop them.”

Well, Wibberley played against Vanderbilt. If a guard suffers an injury against Louisville, the offensive line is put in a bind. Aba Selm was slated to be the swing guard, but the Northern Kentucky native was ruled out of the Vanderbilt game. He’s been on the availability report all season, appearing just once for the Cats.

If Kentucky is in a pinch and needs to sub in a guard against Louisville, they may have to rely on true freshman Jayden Clark.

More on the Future of the Kentucky Offensive Line

The first priority of the last transfer portal cycle was to rebuild the offensive line. A mighty undertaking, finding pieces that fit together at the right price was a juggling act I didn’t think they could achieve. Even though last Saturday’s game was a disaster, it was the first time all season the offensive line was a liability. That makes Kentucky’s massive transfer portal rebuild a success.

“You can’t win the Daytona 500 driving a tractor. You gotta be in the game, you gotta match up with guys,” said Wolford. “We went out and made a conscious effort of finding the right guys that were the right character, that love football, that football is important to, and I think that’s been a big part.”

Even though the Wildcats are losing four offensive line starters, Wolford does not anticipate another massive transfer portal rebuild this offseason. Players further down the depth chart have not logged a ton of reps, but Wolford is confident that some will be ready to step into starting roles in 2026. Clark and true freshman offensive tackle Darrin Strey “have really progressed” this season.

“I’ve done this long enough. I have a pretty good feel for what we have moving forward. I think the future looks bright,” said Wolford.

“We’ll fill in some guys here and there, but I’m really encouraged by our youth, some of the guys we have in place. We’ll pick up some guys again next year (from the portal), just like always. It’s kinda like free agency these days. We’ll pick up a few guys, but I’m encouraged by our young players moving forward.”

Kentucky will be in the market for a starting-caliber guard and tackle, with Malachi Wood expected to emerge as a starter next fall. In the past, Kentucky struggled to find the right fits in the portal. Wolford’s job is to find players who are ready to embrace his rigorous demands.

“This is not going to be a petting zoo,” said the Kentucky offensive line coach. “We’re coming here to work and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”