The transfer portal has had a profound impact on college football, and the Kentucky Wildcats are no exception. Kentucky, however, has largely benefited from the portal through additions rather than losses. Head coach Mark Stoops addressed this when asked about the transfer portal, pointing out that the Wildcats have only lost one starter, and it was a relatively mutual decision.
Stoops said, “We’ve lost one portal starter, and that was kind of mutual. He was offered a lot of money, and I said, ‘You ought to go take that.’ I felt like it was a position where we had some depth. We’ve been fortunate.”
The big question surrounding this comment is who the player was. Only one player fits the description, and that is Justin Rogers, a standout defensive lineman who transferred to Auburn in 2023. There had been persistent rumors that Rogers received a substantial offer to join Auburn, and Stoops’ comments seem to confirm those reports.
Stoops, known for his typical “coach speak,” where he often repeats the same phrases without revealing much, was more candid in this press conference. He not only named his starting quarterback but also gave this open remark about the transfer portal, subtly calling out Auburn for luring a player with a significant financial offer. While Stoops didn’t intend to directly criticize Auburn, his words highlight the reality of the situation.
His main point was to emphasize that Kentucky is focused on improving the roster. Stoops made it clear that the Wildcats are not standing still this offseason; they are actively working to strengthen the team and have the NIL funds to do so. This statement marks a shift from his usual critiques of the NIL and transfer portal, showing a more proactive and optimistic approach to managing his roster in the current college football landscape.