Keeshawn Silver becomes the First High-Profile Kentucky Wildcat to Hit the Transfer Portal

When people asked me, “Who do you think Kentucky should prioritize to prevent from hitting the transfer portal?” My first response was, “Keeshawn Silver.” Unfortunately, that will not be the case.

On3’s Pete Nakos reports defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver is expected to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Monday. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Silver was a five-star recruit in the class of 2021 when the Rocky Mount, NC native initially committed to play for Mack Brown at North Carolina. He was ranked higher in his class than Drake Maye. After things didn’t work out at North Carolina, he got a second chance at Kentucky and made the most out of it.

Silver filled the gap left by Justin Rogers in 2023 and he stepped up once again when Josaih Hayes suffered an Achilles injury in spring practice. In two years the enormous nose guard played in 24 games, totaling 43 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 sack. The numbers don’t truly illustrate the impact he had as a gap-eater in the middle of the Kentucky defense.

Why Losing Silver Hurts Kentucky

The reason I believe Silver should be a top retention priority is because he plays the position that’s hardest to fill in the transfer portal. Kentucky had timing on their side when they landed him the first time, and Anwar Stewart did an exceptional job of making the most out of the mammoth from North Carolina. When the Cats sought out reinforcements in the spring following Hayes’ injury, there weren’t any quality players to find.

Interior defensive linemen are in high demand in the transfer portal. Schools are willing to overpay to make sure there aren’t holes in the middle of their defensive front. Silver will certainly secure a nice payday while scouring the transfer portal this winter.

Without Silver in the fold, Kentucky might be able to get Hayes back for a Super Senior season. Kendrick Gilbert was a former four-star talent, but he didn’t get much run at the nose. The Wildcats actually flipped an offensive guard, Austin “House” Ramsey, to play nose guard this fall. This is a tough loss for the Kentucky defensive line.

Longsnapper Departure

Silver was the third Kentucky Wildcat we learned is hitting the portal within the last hour. Avery Stuart was the first domino to fall, followed by Silver and Walker Himebauch. The longsnapper announced his departure after two seasons in Lexington. He was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team after playing in all 13 games. He snapped for punts and kicks for the last nine contests in 2023 following an injury to Ron Gaines.

Kentucky Players in the Portal So Far

The transfer portal does not officially open until Monday, Dec. 9, but so far we know of three players who will be seeking out greener pastures this offseason.

• DL Keeshawn Silver
• DB Avery Stuart
• LS Walker Himebauch

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. Keep closer tabs on the Cats with our staff-only sticky thread on KSBoard, which will have updates on departures and targets throughout the offseason. Not a KSR+ member? Try it out today.