Really Improved Their Draft Stock
It’s been quite the 48 hours around the Kentucky Athletics program. First came news that Mark Stoops was out of a job for all of three months. In case you hadn’t heard, he’s joining Steve Sarkisian’s staff at Texas as a special assistant. What his role will be exactly is still unknown. Then came the news that long-time athletic director Mitch Barnhart was retiring in June after 24 years. The school won six national championships during his tenure: men’s basketball in 2012, volleyball in 2021, and four rifle titles (2011, 2018, 2021, and 2022). However, in recent years, he’s drawn criticism from the UK faithful for the perception of being behind the times with NIL. Now, back to why we are here. Several of Stoops’ former players took part in the recent combine in Indianapolis. In fact, several did really well and improved their draft stock in the process. Let’s show you how they did as former Kentucky Wildcats Shine at the NFL Combine.
Moving Up The Board?
A season ago, Seth McGowan led the Wildcats with 725 yards rushing to go along with 19 receptions. In addition, his 12 touchdowns were fourth in the SEC. In our Combine preview, we talked about how McGowan was coming off the board as early as the third round in some mock drafts. His showing in Indianapolis did nothing to dispel those predictions. The six-foot, 223-pounder ran a 4.49 40-yard dash, which is good for a back his size. However, it was his vertical jump that had everyone talking. In fact, he posted the second-best mark by a running back ever.
6'0", 223-pound @UKFootball RB Seth McGowan just launched for a 42.5" vertical. 👀
That's the second-best mark all-time at the Combine for the running backs.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ItEHHVigop— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
Currently, NBC Sports’ Eric Froton ranks him seventh best running back in the draft.
Let’s move to the big guys up front who had some impressive numbers as former Kentucky Wildcats shine at the NFL Combine.
Big Blue Wall To The NFL?
Jager Burton had an up-and-down career at Kentucky. However, athletic ability was never a question. That was put on full display during the combine. Burton was one of nine offensive linemen to run a sub-5.0 40-yard dash, clocking in with a 4.94. Furthermore, he had a broad jump of 9 feet 3 and a 28-inch vertical jump.
How well did Burton do? According to the RAS or Relative Athletic Scale, the former Kentucky lineman placed in the top 10 all-time using that formula.
Jager Burton is a OC prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.91 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 7 out of 676 OC from 1987 to 2026.
Pending agilities and bench, times unofficial.https://t.co/zSBCaFHPDq pic.twitter.com/iTyrxCQy4i
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 1, 2026
One mock draft has him going to Detroit in round six. His Combine performance could move him up even higher.
Many in the Big Blue Nation were surprised when Jalen Farmer declared for the draft. Had he returned to school, he was in line to be one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC. However, it looks like his decision may have been a good one. Like Burton, he also did well for himself at the combine. His 4.93 40-yard dash ranked fourth among all offensive guards. As a result, he finished as the fourth-highest rated guard with a 9.68 RAS score. Farmer currently projects anywhere from a fourth to a sixth round pick.
Let’s move to the other side of the ball as former Kentucky Wildcats shine at NFL Combine.
Big Time Numbers
During his one season in Lexington, David Gusta didn’t have the best numbers for the Kentucky defense. Playing in 12 games, Gusta recorded 12 tackles and one sack. As we all know, the draft is all about potential, and Gusta certainly showed that. At 308 pounds, he finished fifth at his position with a 4.88 40-yard dash. Even more impressive was his 1.68 1o yard split. He backed that up by doing 37 reps in the bench press.
.@UKFootball DT David Gusta put up 37 reps on the bench press.
The best part is hearing how hyped up everyone was for him. 🗣️
2026 NFL Combine continues today at 3pm ET on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rfPgWtrzAn— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
Several early mock drafts have Gusta toward the top of the defensive line prospects. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson has the former Cat as the 71st-best prospect in the draft.
These four players we highlighted, along with many others, will work out for scouts during UK’s upcoming Pro Day in hopes of helping their draft prospects even more.
Main Image: Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
