4-star LB Elijah Groves decommits from Kentucky

One of Kentucky football’s top-ranked commits from the incoming 2024 class has reopened his recruitment. Four-star linebacker Elijah Groves announced on Tuesday morning that he has decommitted from the Wildcats.

Groves, who is ranked No. 250 overall by the On3 Industry Ranking, initially chose Kentucky back in July. He committed to the ‘Cats over the likes of NC State and Purdue. The Cross Plains (TN) East Robertson product was Kentucky’s sixth-highest-rated 2024 commit.

“First off I want to thank god for giving me a chance to further my football career to the next level,” Groves wrote on social media. “I want to thank all my family for putting a roof over my head and clothes on my back. I want to thank my highschool coaches for taking me in not only as a athlete but as a son, but with all that being said I will be decommitting from Kentucky and opening my recruitment back up. I just ask yall to respect my decision!”

Clocking in at 6-foot-3, 210-pound, Groves took official visits to all three of his finalists: NC State, Purdue, and Kentucky. It was actually an unofficial visit to Lexington in June that locked him into Kentucky’s class though. Groves was a significant riser in the national rankings over the summer, going from mid-level three-star to a bonafide four-star recruit.

The expectation is that NC State and Purdue will once again make a case to be his next landing spot. Groves has two younger brothers who also hold offers from Kentucky: Isaiah (6-foot, 185 pounds: C/O 2025) and Zach (6-foot-4, 225 pounds: C/O 2026). Elijah produced an impressive senior season for East Robertson, suiting up on offense, defense, and special teams (as a punter). He also plays basketball, and track and field.