Kentucky just outside Top 15 of ESPN's Future Defense Power Rankings

One of the hallmarks of Kentucky Football in the Mark Stoops era is defense, and the future continues to look bright on that side of the ball. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg released his annual “Future Defense Power Rankings” today, which project the top 25 defenses during the next three seasons — 2023, 2024, and 2024 — accounting for current rosters, incoming recruits and transfers, potential NFL departures, and coaching changes. Kentucky is No. 16, up two spots from last year.

“Kentucky fell well short of expectations last season, but the defense held up its end, finishing 11th nationally in yards allowed, 13th in points allowed and seventh against the pass,” Rittenberg wrote. “Coach Mark Stoops and coordinator Brad White have established a standard that should sustain through 2025.”

Kentucky’s defense loses some big pieces like DeAndre Square, Jordan Wright, and Keidron Smith, but Rittenberg is confident returners D’Eryk Jackson, JJ Weaver, Trevin Wallace, and Keaten Wade and incoming freshmen Jayvant Brown and Grant Godfrey can fill the void. Plus, you know, Deone Walker.

“Sophomore tackle Deone Walker is a 6-foot-6, 348-pound force who should anchor the line for at least two more seasons. Kentucky needs more around him, especially at end, where sophomore Khalil Saunders, junior Tre’vonn Rybka and others will compete. Jamarius Dinkins is another intriguing interior lineman who should play several more seasons for UK, which added North Carolina transfer Keeshawn Silver.”

Rittenberg also notes the assembly of talent in Kentucky’s secondary, which is set up for success for at least a few seasons.

“Like the line, Kentucky’s secondary is filled with promising non-seniors, including sophomore safety Jordan Lovett, the team’s No. 2 tackler last fall. Junior Zion Childress could play opposite Lovett this fall, and sophomore Maxwell Hairston stood out this spring. Cincinnati transfer JQ Hardaway is an interesting addition at cornerback, where junior Andru Phillips also returns. Cornerback Avery Stuart, an ESPN 300 selection, headlines Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class, along with ESPN four-star safety Jaremiah Anglin Jr.”

Kentucky is one of five SEC teams in the Top 25. Georgia is No. 1, Alabama No. 4, LSU No. 7, Texas A&M No. 15, and, as mentioned, the Cats No. 16. Kentucky ranks ahead of Texas (No. 17) and Ohio State (No. 21). Also ahead of the Buckeyes? Jon Sumrall’s Troy Trojans at No. 20. Love to see it.