The coaching change with the Kentucky Wildcats football team this offseason has energized the program, with Will Stein bringing excitement to Lexington. His pedigree as a play-caller and developer of quarterbacks along with his youth and personal energy make it easy for fans to believe he can turn things around.
Stein immediately went into the transfer portal and loaded up on talent, bringing in a number of upgrades and highly rated players. He has also landed some elite prospects from the 2027 recruiting class, and has Kentucky’s class ranked in the top 15.
He continues to recruit for 2027, but is also looking ahead to 2028. Stein has already offered a lot of players in that class, and many of them are the best at their respective positions. Here’s a look at the offensive players Kentucky has already offered in 2028 that are ranked in the top 100 overall, with their 247Sports rank in parentheses.
Quarterbacks
Christopher Vargas (No 5 overall) – Vargas is arguably the top overall quarterback in next year’s class. Ohio State and Oregon are early leaders.
Donald Tabron II (No 48 overall) – Tabron is a Michigan product who could rise even higher. Some other services already have him much higher.
Carter Zingelmann (No 64 overall) – Zingelmann is a terrific athlete out of Texas, where Stein has made in-roads recently.
Running backs
Ian Thomas (No 39 overall) – Thomas is another Texas product targeted by Stein. Several SEC schools are also in on him early.
Dalen Powell (No 59 overall) – Powell has a track background, and is a very good athlete. LSU might be the team to beat for the Louisiana product.
Wide receivers
Brysen Wright (No 4 overall) – Florida and Miami are the early leaders for Wright. The 6’4″, 215 lb pass catcher has a shot to be the top overall player in the class.
Jaylen Addai (No 11 overall) – Addai is a speedy receiver with big plays written all over him. He has offers from nearly every top program already.
Deandre Bidden (No 19 overall) – Bidden is another speedster and potential difference maker. Michigan is the early favorite for him.
Braylon Clark (No 29 overall) – Clark is ranked in the top 15 by some services. He has offers from Ohio State, Oregon and most of the other top programs.
Peyton Smith (No 46 overall) – Smith has a 6’2″ frame with room to fill out and add strength. Kentucky would have to beat out a number of Texas schools for his services.
Malachi Lee (No 52 overall) – Lee is another receiver with good size and speed. The Virginia product has offers from all over the east coast.
Brandon Jefferson (No 99 overall) – The bigger programs haven’t gotten in on Jefferson yet, but are sure to jump into things soon enough. Ohio State is the first of those, and will be tempting.
Tight ends
Jevyn Severson (No 62 overall) – Severson has the makings of an elite tight end. He is a tough player who will block, but has enough juice to be a good receiver too.
Kaleb Ballard (No 90 overall) – Home state schools Alabama and Auburn will be the favorites for Ballard. He could rise quickly in the rankings.
Offensive tackles
Austin Attalah (No 49 overall) – Attalah has a massive 6’8″ frame to work with. His potential has him already drawing offers from nearly every major program.
R’Monie Edwards (No 57 overall) – Edwards might project to the interior at the next level, but he looks to be a very good player at whatever position he plays.
Interior offensive linemen
Major Green (No 38 overall) – Green’s size should make him a very good run blocker for someone. He is 6’5″, 350 lbs and has played on both sides of the ball.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky football targeting top 100 offensive recruits in 2028 class