Kentucky’s 2024 Recruiting Class: How Wildcats’ Commits Fared in the Latest On3 Player Rankings…
As the 2024 college football recruiting cycle heats up, Kentucky football has steadily built one of the top recruiting classes in the SEC. With Mark Stoops at the helm, Kentucky has consistently shown its ability to identify and develop talent that can compete at the highest levels. The latest On3 player rankings, which provide a comprehensive look at the top recruits in the nation, give an updated snapshot of where Kentucky’s 2024 commitments rank in the national landscape.
In this article, we’ll break down where Kentucky’s recruits have landed in the On3 rankings, what their rankings mean for the Wildcats’ future, and how these prospects fit into Stoops’ long-term vision for the program.
Kentucky’s Current 2024 Recruiting Class Overview
As of the latest On3 rankings, Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class sits in the middle of the pack nationally, but it’s important to note that the Wildcats are consistently competing in the upper echelon of the SEC in terms of recruiting. With a focus on building a balanced roster of talent across the field, Stoops and his staff have landed a variety of athletes, from elite defensive players to high-ceiling offensive prospects.
While Kentucky has yet to secure a top-10 recruiting class, they continue to prove that they can out-recruit many traditional powerhouses for key positions, particularly along the defensive line and in the trenches. Their consistent success on the recruiting trail is a direct reflection of the program’s rise under Stoops’ leadership.
Top Kentucky Commitments in the On3 Rankings
Let’s take a closer look at the top Kentucky commits in the most recent On3 rankings and what each one brings to the table for the Wildcats. We will also examine how they fit into Kentucky’s needs and long-term plans.
1. Riley Gaines – Quarterback (On3 Rank: 75 Nationally)
Kentucky’s top commit in the 2024 class is quarterback Riley Gaines, who comes in at 75 in the latest On3 rankings. Gaines, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller from North Carolina, is an intriguing prospect who can make all the throws, from deep passes to short-game precision. He is an athletic quarterback with good mobility in the pocket and the ability to extend plays with his legs when needed. Gaines’ impressive arm strength and ability to read defenses give him a solid foundation as a potential starter for the Wildcats in the future.
Gaines’ ranking places him among the top 100 players in the nation, which is a significant accomplishment for Kentucky, a school that has not historically landed elite quarterbacks. His commitment is an indicator of the Wildcats’ growing presence on the national recruiting scene, as high-level quarterbacks like Gaines increasingly take notice of the program’s steady progression under Stoops.
2. Zayden Walker – Defensive End (On3 Rank: 102 Nationally)
One of the top-ranked defensive players in Kentucky’s 2024 class is Zayden Walker, who currently sits at 102 in the On3 rankings. A 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end out of Georgia, Walker brings exceptional physical tools to the Wildcats’ defense. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, Walker has the potential to be an early contributor on the defensive line, a position where Kentucky has built a reputation for developing NFL talent. His combination of size and speed makes him a natural fit in the SEC, where elite defensive linemen are essential to competing at a high level.
Walker’s commitment signals Kentucky’s continued push to dominate on both sides of the line of scrimmage. As the Wildcats look to compete with SEC juggernauts like Georgia and Alabama, developing an elite defensive front is crucial, and Walker is an important piece of that puzzle.
3. Trent Crews – Offensive Lineman (On3 Rank: 155 Nationally)
Trent Crews, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive lineman from Kentucky, checks in at #155 in the On3 rankings. The big offensive tackle is another key piece in what is shaping up to be a strong class up front for the Wildcats. Crews is a powerful and physical lineman who excels at both run-blocking and pass protection. His massive frame allows him to overpower defenders, and his tenacity at the line of scrimmage makes him a tough player to deal with.
Crews’ ranking highlights his importance to Kentucky’s long-term goals. Offensive line play is crucial to Kentucky’s ability to establish a physical ground game, and Crews has the potential to be an anchor in the trenches for years to come.
4. Aaron Williams – Cornerback (On3 Rank: 174 Nationally)
A key addition to the secondary, Aaron Williams is ranked 174 in the On3 rankings. Hailing from Florida, Williams is a 6-foot-1 cornerback who excels in man-to-man coverage, making him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s defensive scheme. With strong ball skills and excellent footwork, Williams has the potential to become one of the Wildcats’ top playmakers in the secondary. His ability to defend against top-tier SEC receivers could be a game-changer for Kentucky’s defense in the years to come.
Williams is an important addition for a Kentucky program that has had success in recent years developing defensive backs capable of contributing at the next level. His commitment only strengthens Kentucky’s defensive future.
5. Dorian Green – Wide Receiver (On3 Rank: 211 Nationally)
On the offensive side of the ball, Dorian Green ranks 211 in the On3 rankings. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound wide receiver from Florida is known for his ability to create separation and make plays down the field. Green’s long frame and speed make him a dangerous deep-threat receiver, and his physicality gives him an edge in contested catches. As Kentucky looks to build a more dynamic passing game, Green represents a significant piece of that puzzle.
While Kentucky has traditionally leaned on the run game under Stoops, Green’s commitment signals the Wildcats’ intentions to diversify their offensive attack and find playmakers on the perimeter who can stretch the field. With Gaines at quarterback, Green could be a crucial target in the passing game for years to come.
Kentucky’s Overall Position in the On3 Rankings
As of now, Kentucky’s recruiting class ranks in the 20s nationally, putting them in the middle of the pack within the SEC. While they are still a ways off from competing with the top-tier programs like Georgia and Alabama, their consistent success in recruiting and developing talent places them in a strong position for the future. Stoops has proven that he can win with under-the-radar recruits, but as Kentucky continues to secure more blue-chip prospects, the program is poised to challenge for bigger goals in the SEC and beyond.
Kentucky’s ability to land high-profile recruits like Gaines, Walker, and Crews shows that they are gaining more recognition on the national stage. For a program that has often been overshadowed by its conference rivals, the ability to land multiple top-100 recruits is a clear sign of progress.
Conclusion
The 2024 class is shaping up to be one of Kentucky’s best in recent years, with top-tier commitments across key positions. While the Wildcats still face a steep climb to compete consistently with the powerhouse programs in the SEC, their success in recruiting, particularly in the trenches and on defense, puts them in position to continue improving.
As these players progress through their careers, expect Kentucky to remain a rising force in the SEC, with recruits like Riley Gaines, Zayden Walker, and Trent Crews leading the charge. The future looks bright for Kentucky football, and the latest On3 rankings only reinforce that the Wildcats are heading in the right direction.
