Kentucky has dipped into the transfer portal to find help at tailback in numerous recent seasons. Ray Davis and Seth McGowan were both former transfers who went on to make a splash in their only season at UK. Some more shopping was required at the position in 2026 as head coach Will Stein, offensive coordinator Joe Sloan, and running backs coach Kolby Smith take over in Lexington. The Wildcats double-dipped at the position.
Oklahoma transfer Jovontae Barnes secured his spot on the roster on Jan.