All-Conference Left Tackle Shiyazh Pete Transfers to Kentucky

Kentucky is wrapping up its 2025 transfer portal class by putting a beautiful bow on a gift to Big Blue Nation. The Wildcats landed some big names down the stretch and addressed almost every position of need, almost. There was one big glaring void at left tackle.

Shiyazh Pete is filling an important position at the eleventh hour. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound offensive lineman from New Mexico State is transferring to Kentucky. It’s a significant recruiting win that caps off a dramatic transformation for Eric Wolford‘s offensive line.

I am officially committed to the University of Kentucky. GO BIG BLUE! pic.twitter.com/hOBHDRnwBo

— 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐳𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞 (@ShiyazhT) January 19, 2025

Pete was pursued by plenty of prominent programs for his final year of eligibility. Initially, many believed he would follow the footsteps of his former teammates from Las Cruces to Nashville to play for the Vanderbilt Commodores. In the final days before announcing his decision, Nebraska and Michigan were reportedly in a two-horse race. Kentucky made a major move late in the process to flip the script and secure the missing piece for the Big Blue Wall.

Pete is the fifth addition to the offensive line this offseason. Like three others, he was an all-conference player at his previous stop. He earned First-Team All-C-USA honors following the 2023 season. An injury sidelined him until week eight of the 2024 season. Despite the delayed start last fall, he’s a three-year starter at left tackle with more than 1,800 career snaps.

What This Addition Means

Mark Stoops brought Eric Wolford back to Kentucky to raise the level of talent on the offensive line. The assistant coach put in some serious leg-work in the transfer portal to make this a reality. The upgrade in the trenches will be felt this fall.

In case it wasn’t clear enough before, allow me to be candid for a moment. Kentucky wrapped up its transfer portal class by getting three players I didn’t think they could get. Most portal classes don’t completely address every roster need. You might point to a nickel or safety, but even Mark Stoops’ harshest critics will be satisfied with the roster the coaching staff built this offseason. There are many Kentucky football fans who feel like Michael Corleone following this news.

Luckett’s Scouting Report on Pete

Shiyazh Pete (6-8, 320) is a long left tackle with good movement skills. The veteran shows good feet allowing him to climb to the next level in the run game and mirror speed rusher in pass protection. Pete flashes some torque as a run blocker allowing him to move defensive ends. Shows burst out of his stance and quickly gets into his set. Missed some on his initial punch when faced with a speed rush. Can overset and get beat inside. Played in a zone-heavy run scheme. Must improve at creating movement in the run game.

The New Mexico State transfer is a long and athletic transfer with a ton of experience and some impressive reps on tape as a pass protector. Winning in the run game as he steps in competition will be a huge question mark but this is a true left tackle who can protect the blindside.

Shiyazh Pete, LT #71, 6’8 320
31 Starts for New Mexico State

Transfer: 90
2 years of eligibility

6 Games in 2024
PFF 70.9, 5 Pressures, 1 Sack Allowed

Offers: Stanford, ISU, KY, Michigan, USC, OK State, Vanderbilt, Clearly Purdue has given up@HuskerFootball Visit https://t.co/r3PxBbpQmM pic.twitter.com/h9kelieQYp

— What does the film say? (@Huskers_film) January 9, 2025