What Oregon landing QB Bryson Beaver means for Kentucky

Former Boise State commit Bryson Beaver has arguably become the fastest-rising recruit in the 2026 high school recruiting cycle. After a strong performance at Elite 11, multiple SEC programs came calling for the Southern California quarterback. A West Coast powerhouse put an end to that on Wednesday.
Oregon has locked up one of the top remaining uncommitted quarterbacks. Bryson Beaver is now a Duck.
A huge 2026 recruiting domino has fallen. The commitment potentially takes a top contender out of the running for Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller star Matt Ponatoski. That is a significant development for the Kentucky football program.
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The four-star recruit who Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year in both football and baseball as a junior was down to four schools after leaving Elite 11. Things have been quiet regarding Arkansas, Alabama just flipped Iowa State quarterback commit Jett Thomalla, and now Oregon has taken a commitment from Bryson Beaver. Both Ponatoski and Beaver were in Eugene last weekend for an official visit. Meanwhile, Kentucky has remained a strong contender throughout this recruitment. The Cats even got Ponatoski on campus before he flew out to the West Coast last week. There was buzz for the Big Blue over the last week. That buzz is about to pick up steam.
Picks are now rolling in for the top quarterback in Ohio to land at Kentucky. Are the Wildcats about to record a massive recruiting win at the sport’s most important position? It looks like they are certainly in the driver’s seat for Matt Ponatoski.
Luckett’s Recruiting Notebook: The latest with Matt Ponatoski (KSR+)
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