Four Kentucky Football Players Who May Hit the Transfer Portal
With the spring transfer portal window approaching (April 16–25), Kentucky football is in a bit of a numbers crunch. The Wildcats currently sit at 86 scholarship players — one above the SEC’s maximum of 85 — meaning at least one player will have to move on. However, it’s likely more than just a single departure is coming.
The Spring Showcase didn’t offer much clarity. There was no full-contact action, several key contributors were sidelined, and little was revealed publicly. But behind the scenes, the coaching staff has been evaluating closely, and tough decisions are on the horizon.
Here are four Wildcats who could be among the ones to seek new opportunities this spring:
1. Jamarion Wilcox – Running Back
Wilcox is an explosive athlete with plenty of potential, but he finds himself behind newcomer Dante Dowdell and sophomore standout Jason Patterson on the depth chart. Head coach Mark Stoops praised Patterson’s development into a potential every-down back, signaling a reduced role for Wilcox. With playing time uncertain and plenty of programs in need of a playmaker, Wilcox might explore his options to become a featured back elsewhere.
2. Josh Kattus – Tight End
Though he has SEC-level physicality, Kattus hasn’t carved out a significant role at Kentucky. His younger brother, once committed to the Wildcats, chose to play for Clemson — a school known for its pass-heavy offense. If Kattus is looking to prove himself as a pass-catcher and earn more targets, transferring to a more air-oriented offense could make sense.
3. Cam Dooley – Cornerback
Dooley came to Lexington as a highly-rated recruit but hasn’t been able to lock down a consistent spot in the secondary. He burned his redshirt last season without making a major impact, and with new defensive backs arriving via the portal, his path to playing time has only gotten tougher. Dooley still offers potential and has multiple years of eligibility remaining, which could make him a sought-after addition for other programs.
4. Cutter Boley – Quarterback
While it would raise eyebrows, the possibility of Cutter Boley transferring can’t be dismissed. The Kentucky native was once seen as the future at quarterback, but the arrival of Zach Calzada — a dual-threat QB who fits new OC Bush Hamdan’s scheme — complicates things. With Liam Coen no longer calling plays and the system shifting, Boley’s traditional pocket-passer style might thrive better elsewhere, especially if he’s looking for quicker playing opportunities.
As Coach Stoops said:
“This isn’t the end… We’ve got to make sure we don’t lose any of the gains that we made.”
That applies both to the development of the team and how the roster is managed. The coming weeks will be critical as Kentucky navigates the spring transfer cycle and looks to finalize its 2025 squad.
