We are now well into the month of June, which means we are less than three months away from the start of the 2026 season. Of course, you can get your daily countdown elsewhere on the site, which you should be checking out. For the Kentucky Wildcats, there’s a renewed sense of excitement as they head into their first season with new coach Will Stein. A look at UK’s spring practice was recently featured on the SEC Network, only ramping up the excitement even more. In addition, another thing that’s garnering a ton of hype is Kentucky’s recruiting. That’s why we are here today.
The past few days were huge, and we’ll talk about it as we are recapping Kentucky’s big recruiting weekend. However, before we start, we need to touch on some very sad news.
A Difficult Loss
On Monday, the school announced the passing of redshirt freshman Nic Smith. The defensive lineman committed to Kentucky in June of 2024 for then coach Mark Stoops. The Loganville, Georgia native chose the Cats over Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern among others. Nicknamed “Big Happ,” Smith wanted to start a food business after he finished school according to his UK bio. Last Word extends our thoughts and prayers to the Smith’s family, friends and the UK program.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) June 8, 2026
Recapping Kentucky’s Big Recruiting Weekend
On a much lighter note, back to the business at hand. Since arriving at Kentucky, Stein and his staff have recruited at a pretty elite level. That continued this past weekend when the staff picked up three more players for 2027. During the heyday of Stoops’ run in Lexington, he and Vince Marrow kept the best in-state players at home. That’s shifted the last couple of years, but now Stein is getting that pendulum swaying back towards Lexington.
Malachi Brown from Corbin, Kentucky, was the first to pledge to the Cats. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Brown visited on June 5 and then committed two days later. He held offers from Alabama, Indiana, Ohio State, and Tennessee. However, he elected to stay home and play for Kentucky. Brown ranks as a four-star player by 247 Sports Composite and is the fourth-best player in the Bluegrass State. In addition, he’s the 30th-best defensive lineman and 262nd-best player overall.
A short time later, the Wildcats picked up their second commitment of the day when linebacker Drew Williams announced he was headed to Kentucky. Hailing from Sequoyah High School in Canton, Georgia, Williams chose the Cats over Auburn, Colorado, Duke, and Oregon.
According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder is the 39th best linebacker in the country. In addition, he’s listed as the 62nd best player in Georgia and 502nd in the nation. He made first team All-Region after recording 138 tackles, with 15 for a loss. He added six sacks and a forced fumble. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman made him a top priority, and that paid off with his commitment.
As we continue recapping Kentucky’s big recruiting weekend, let’s look at the third member of the 2027 class to commit.
Recruiting Trifecta
A short time later UK picked up commit number three for the day when wide receiver Austin Coles chose the Cats. The former staff recruited Coles, and he received an offer last year. When Stein took over, he continued the recruitment when he and wide receivers coach Joe Price III visited back in January.
Playing for traditional power St. Thomas Aquinas in Miami, Florida, Coles had offers from Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M but ultimately chose the Cats. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Coles ranks as the 61st best player in Florida. He’s the 80th-best receiver in the nation.
What’s the only thing better than three recruits? How about four? Let’s introduce you to the newest member of the 2027 class.
New Member Of The Big Blue Wall
Stein’s hot streak continued on Monday when the Cats picked another big commit. Perrysburg, Ohio, native Reed Gerken announced he was headed to Kentucky. The 6-foot-four, 305-pound Gerken chose Kentucky over Illinois, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin. He ranks as the 23rd best player in the Buckeye State. Furthermore, he’s listed as the 55th best offensive tackle and 611th player in the nation. It’s a big recruiting win for offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich. He’s the fourth offensive lineman in the 2027 class.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned, Stein and his staff are on quite a recruiting roll right now. With the four new commitments, Kentucky’s 2027 class sits 11th in the nation and fourth in the SEC. The Cats trail only Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Florida. Currently, the class stands at 22 members, headed by star quarterback Jake Nawrot.
Thanks for recapping Kentucky’s big recruiting weekend with us here at Last Word On College Football.
Main Image: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
