4-star WR Hardley Gilmore commits to Kentucky Wildcats

Belle Glade (Fla.) Pahokee four-star wide receiver Hardley Gilmore has committed to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over Penn State and UCF.

The 6-foot-1, 165-pound pass-catcher is the No. 289 overall prospect and No. 48 wide receiver in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 42 player in Florida.

For more Kentucky recruiting intel, check out KSR+.

Earlier this summer, Gilmore reclassified from the 2025 class to 2024 and took official visits to both Kentucky and Penn State. As a sophomore, he caught 43 passes for 1,003 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Kentucky looking to break into top-30 of recruiting rankings

The Wildcats made a splash on the recruiting trail in May, as they landed the commitment of Hodgenville (Ky.) Lexington Christian Academy four-star quarterback Cutter Boley, the No. 9 signal-caller in the cycle, who reclassified from 2025. Aside from Boley, however, Cincinnati Withrow four-star cornerback Terhyon Nichols is the only other top-200 recruit in the class.

As a result, Kentucky’s class is No. 36 in the nation and No. 14 in the SEC, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Gilmore would be UK’s fourth four-star pledge, joining Boley, Nichols and Cross Plains (Tenn.) East Robertson four-star linebacker Elijah Groves.

“Kentucky has been selective in wide receiver recruiting this cycle having seemingly passed on multiple targets who came to Lexington for official visits,” wrote KSR’s Adam Luckett. “I believe that was for a reason. The Wildcats would like the pair star recruit Cutter Boley with a big-time receiver, and Hardley Gilmore is that guy.”

Kentucky’s class features just one other wide receiver commit: Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep three-star David Washington Jr. Alongside Boley and Washington, Kentucky’s top commits on the offensive side of the ball include Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Western three-star running back Tovani Mizell, Independence (Ky.) Simon Kenton three-star interior offensive lineman Aba Selm and Covington (Ky.) Catholic three-star tight end Willie Rodriguez.