The transfer portal is heating up, and Kentucky is making strategic moves to strengthen their football roster! As the second day of the transfer portal window unfolds, a fresh wave of potential recruits is visiting the campus, particularly at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. This significant moment comes as Will Stein’s newly formed coaching staff sets out to assemble their inaugural team in Lexington. The first day already featured some notable names.
Among those who caught attention were Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, Texas wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., Baylor center Coleton Price, and Arkansas linebacker Tavion Wallace. However, two SEC starters also made their way to campus, filling important roles that Kentucky desperately needs to enhance.
Let’s dive into the details.
Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr.
Woodyard, a standout recruit from Mobile, Alabama, originally committed to Alabama before switching to Auburn during Bryan Harsin's first full recruiting class. Although expectations were high for this 241-pound linebacker, his breakout performance didn’t come until he was a redshirt junior in 2025. During that season, he racked up an impressive 67 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Remarkably, he only missed six tackles throughout the entire season, showcasing his reliability and skill as a key player on what was a formidable Auburn defense. With one year of eligibility left, Woodyard decided to enter the transfer portal this January, and Kentucky was quick to secure his first official visit. Sources confirm that he was in Lexington on Friday evening, indicating strong interest. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is playing a crucial role in pursuing Woodyard, who is also being courted by schools like Baylor, Florida State, Missouri, and Texas.
For the Wildcats, it’s imperative to bring in at least one starting player through the transfer portal to bolster their lineup. In fact, they may need to recruit multiple linebacker transfers in this cycle, and Woodyard stands out as one of the top contenders available.
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South Carolina offensive tackle Cason Henry
Cason Henry was a notable three-star recruit for South Carolina, hailing from Marietta, Georgia, during the 2022 recruiting cycle. He chose the Gamecocks over offers from Mississippi State and North Carolina, marking him as a significant addition to Shane Beamer’s inaugural full recruiting class in Columbia. After taking a redshirt year in 2022, Henry faced challenges with a knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2023. However, he bounced back as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, starting all 13 games for a nine-win team that narrowly missed the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury in 2025 limited him to just four games, but prior to this setback, Henry was performing exceptionally well and was recognized as South Carolina’s top player on the offensive line.
With some recent changes in the offensive coaching staff at South Carolina, Henry opted to explore new opportunities, entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining, which could potentially extend to two years if a medical redshirt is granted. Kentucky has secured the first visit from this talented SEC right tackle as they seek to address significant needs on their offensive line, with multiple prospects visiting during this crucial transfer portal window.
