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Unavailable Kentucky Football Players at the Citrus Bowl

Nick-Roush-headshotby: Nick Roush01/01/22RoushKSR
Josh Paschal
Dr. Michael Huang | KSR

Like almost every bowl game this offseason, there are a few unexpected, last minute omissions from the game day lineup. Kentucky will be without a few key players in the Citrus Bowl vs. Iowa due to a combination of injuries, and healthy and safety protocols.

Josh Paschal suffered an injury in the Louisville game. Mark Stoops said the Kentucky defensive end wanted to play, “but I don’t feel like I can play him with a clear conscience,” Stoops said Friday morning.

In addition to Paschal, the Wildcats’ leader in tackles for loss, Brad White’s defense will also be without its sack leader, J.J. Weaver. The edge rusher has recorded 6.5 sacks and two interceptions in 2021. He was named Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year.

The Kentucky offense will be without Dare Rosenthal at left tackle, running back Kavosiey Smoke, wide receivers Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps.

Two linebackers are also sidelined, Marquez Bembry and true freshman Trevin Wallace.

Iowa will also be missing some key contributors. Keagan Johnson, the Hawkeyes’ leading receiver, will not play against UK. They will also be without their top rusher. Tyler Goodson opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

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2025-08-02