Kentucky Lands 2027 Quarterback DJ Hunter, but Recruiting Efforts Continue as Wildcats Eye Future Talent
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Bluegrass State is buzzing with excitement after the University of Kentucky secured a monumental commitment from 2027 quarterback prodigy DJ Hunter. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal-caller out of Hoover High School in Alabama announced his decision via a tightly choreographed social media post late Tuesday evening, donning a crisp Wildcats jersey with the caption: “Built for the Blue — Let’s get to work.”
Hunter, widely regarded as one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, had offers from powerhouse programs including Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan. But it was Kentucky’s vision, head coach Mark Stoops’ consistency, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s innovative playbook that ultimately tipped the scales.
“I didn’t just want to be another name in a stacked quarterback room,” Hunter said in a post-commitment interview. “Coach Coen sees me as the centerpiece of something new — something powerful. I’m coming to Kentucky to build a legacy.”
Hunter’s game film is a mixtape of velocity, poise, and improvisation. With a cannon for an arm and legs that clock a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, he’s drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson in high school — but with a more polished touch downfield. In his sophomore season, he threw for 3,218 yards, rushed for another 1,102, and accounted for 48 total touchdowns. And he’s just getting started.
For the Wildcats, this is more than a five-star pickup; it’s a statement. Kentucky, traditionally viewed as a basketball-first school, is reshaping its football identity brick by brick. Hunter’s commitment sends a loud message: Lexington is no longer a stepping stone — it’s a destination.
Still, the recruiting trail remains hot.
“DJ’s commitment is huge, but we’re not done,” said recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow. “You build dynasties by stacking classes, not just stars.”
The Wildcats are now turning their eyes toward other elite 2027 talents. Chief among them is five-star wide receiver Kahlil Benton from St. Louis, a lanky 6-foot-5 deep threat who has already established chemistry with Hunter through elite 7-on-7 camps. Sources close to the program suggest Kentucky is “all-in” on the pairing, even designing future offensive packages around the potential Hunter-Benton connection.
In the trenches, Kentucky is also aggressively pursuing defensive end Tavion Ross, a disruptive pass-rusher from Texas with SEC speed and Big Ten strength. Ross recently took an unofficial visit and reportedly left “very impressed” by the program’s facilities and the coaching staff’s candor.
“This isn’t just about one kid, one cycle,” said Coach Stoops. “It’s about culture. About shifting the gravity of college football just a bit toward Kentucky.”
With DJ Hunter as the crown jewel and a roster of talent within reach, the Wildcats seem poised to do just that. The 2027 class may still be forming, but the foundation is set. And in Lexington, the echoes of cleats on turf already sound like the r
