FCS All-American Mi'Quise Grace Transfers to Kentucky

One of the best defensive players in the transfer portal is ready to become a Wildcat. Mi’Quise Grace is transferring to Kentucky. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Folks, this is a big-time win for the Cats. Grace is ranked as one of the ten best available players in the transfer portal by On3.

Kentucky got the first visit. Wisconsin and Cincinnati followed. Ultimately, it was between Kentucky and two other SEC schools, Mississippi State and Georgia. Kirby Smart hosted Grace for his final visit and wanted the talented athlete in Athens, but Vince Marrow worked his magic to make this talented pass-rusher a Wildcat.

Grace is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end who starred at the FCS level for the South Dakota Coyotes. In 2024, the redshirt sophomore had 64 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown. He was tied for 16th in the FCS in sacks and tenth in TFLs.

Grace earned FCS All-American Honors as a redshirt sophomore and was named Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year. In other words, he was the best defensive player in the best conference in the FCS. South Dakota advanced to the FCS Semifinals before falling to Montana State.

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Exceptional Defensive Line Portal Haul

The addition of Grace ensures the strength of the team will remain the strength. The Wildcats are supplementing young talent on the defensive line with studs from the transfer portal.

Former Washington State DT David Gusta was the Cats’ highest-rated signee until Grace committed. Former Wyoming DT Jaden Williams has shown exceptional pass-rushing ability on tape. Kentucky has struggled to consistently harass opposing quarterbacks and Grace gives Brad White’s defensive line three newcomers who can do just that.

South Dakota Edge Mi'Quise Grace @GraceQuise made his presence known early and often in a huge win against NDSU.

Grace finished the day with 7 tackles, including 3 TFL's and 2 sacks. I can't wait to see what he does in the playoffs.#FCSFootball #GoYotes #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/gKsjVprOec

— Bryan (@BGauvin23) November 28, 2024

South Dakota Edge Mi'Quise Grace @GraceQuise was a man amongst boys against Indiana State. Grace was credited with 6 tackles including 4 TFL's, 2.5 sacks and a FF.
He is an ascending player on an ascending program.#FCSFootball #GoYotes #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/PROsucrxfS

— Bryan (@BGauvin23) November 15, 2024

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