Welcome back to our position-by-position look at Will Stein’s first Kentucky football team. A huge thank you to everyone who’s checked out our previous installments. In case you missed them recently we’ve been focusing on the defense. First, it was big guys up front. From there, we featured the edge rushers and the linebackers. Finally, we broke down the cornerbacks. Our focus remains on the secondary, but this time it’s the safeties. However, this group, unlike many on the Wildcat team, has some good returning experience. Let’s show you who’s who with our 2026 Kentucky Spring Preview: Safeties.
A Group With Experience
A Potential Dynamic Duo
Ty Bryant was Kentucky’s leading tackler last season with 76, including 46 solo. In addition, he led the squad and tied for the SEC lead with four interceptions. The Lexington native from Frederick Douglass High School has played in 37 games over three years with the Cats. A team captain, Bryant has played more than 1300 snaps with 162 tackles, four for a loss, and five interceptions. He’ll be an anchor in the secondary in 2026.
Jordan Castell is one of two transfers Kentucky got from the Florida Gators. The senior was a three-year starter for the Gators, appearing in 35 games. During his time in Gainesville, Castell made 169 tackles. Furthermore, he had three interceptions and a sack. He was the 20th-ranked safety in the portal. Castell played under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman at Florida and looks like your other starting safety.
Continuing our 2026 Kentucky Spring Preview: Safeties, let’s look at some more guys who should see big roles this season.
Pushing For Playing Time
The second player who headed north from Florida to Kentucky is Aaron Gates. The junior redshirted his first season but played in ten games in 2024, making 27 tackles, three passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL against Ole Miss, which ended his season.
Last year, he only appeared in four games, making seven tackles. However, for a second year in a row, he suffered a season-ending injury, this time a shoulder. Gates played the nickel back position at Florida, and as long as he stays healthy, he should fill that role at Kentucky.
Jesse Anderson III comes to Kentucky after three years at Pittsburgh. After redshirting his freshman year, Anderson played in 13 games in 202,4 mostly on special teams, making 10 tackles. However, the Panthers staff moved him to wide receiver last year. Now, after transferring, he’s back at safety.
Cyrus Reyes stays in the SEC after transferring from Mississippi State. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, Reyes appeared in 25 games, making 25 tackles. Jaden Smith was a big recruiting win for Mark Stoops back in 2024. The sophomore saw action in six games, making 10 tackles. Dyllon Williams played in three games last season, while Andrew Weber hasn’t seen game action in two years in Lexington.
Wrapping up our 2026 Kentucky Position Preview: Safeties, with a look at a player who may play more than one position.
Two-Way Player?
Martels Carter Jr. was another huge recruiting win back in the 2025 class. The second-ranked player in the Bluegrass State and 21st-best safety overall, Carter held offers from nearly every major program in the country. However, the Paducah Tilghman star decided to play for the Cats. He made four tackles in four games last season and looks to be in line as the number three safety.
In fact, his role may be expanded even further. Two of the Cats’ top running backs did not do a lot in the Spring in order to keep their bodies healthy. Enter Carter, who played both ways in high school. While he was more known as a receiver, Carter ran for 341 yards and five touchdowns for the Blue Tornado. Will this continue into the fall? It’s something to watch for sure.
Final Thoughts
As we said in the beginning, unlike many spots on this Wildcats’ roster, the safety position is one that has some experienced players. Between Bryant, Castell, and Gates, new position coach Josh Christian-Young has to feel good about his room. Throw in a second-year player in Carter, and safety could be a strength of the Kentucky defense.
Thanks for checking out our 2026 Kentucky Position Preview: Safeties here at Last Word On College Football.
Main Image: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
