2025 DL Drayden Pavey names top three schools

Burlington (Ky.) Robert A Taft three-star defensive lineman Drayden Pavey has accumulated around 20 offers throughout his recruitment.

After trimming his list down to eight at the end of February, the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder is moving another step closer to making his decision. On Thursday, Pavey announced that he’s down to Indiana, Purdue and Wisconsin.

Each Big Ten program has made a splash with Pavey, who collected 46 tackles, including nine stops for loss and 7.5 sacks as a junior. Up next for the Bluegrass product is a round of summer official visits. He’ll hit Purdue first on June 7, then make his way to Madison for his Wisconsin OV on June 14 and finish with the Hoosiers on the June 21 weekend.

Pavey is the No. 794 overall prospect and No. 68 DL in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 5 player in Kentucky.

Pavey talks Indiana, Purdue and Wisconsin

Indiana: “Coach (Pat) Kuntz is my reason for having them as one of my top schools and I feel like I can come play early as well”

Purdue: “I 100% love the whole staff, as unoriginal as that sounds. I love everybody from Coach (Grant) O’Brien to Coach Preston Gordon. Coach (Brick) Haley’s résumé speaks for itself.”

Wisconsin: “They came along late but Coach EJ (Whitlow) has made a huge impact already. His résumé of development is top tier. And it’s a place where I also can get developed and get a great education as well.”