Kentucky Signee Mikkel Skinner Shines Ahead of Postseason Showcase

Most of Big Blue Nation’s attention is focused on which Kentucky football players the Wildcats will attract from the transfer portal. One high school star continues to prove that he’s one of the nation’s top pass-catchers.

Mikkel Skinner is the highest-ranked player in the Wildcats’ 2025 high school recruiting class. the 6-foot-3.5 athlete is a Top 15 tight end and the No. 222 overall player in the On3 Industry Ranking. The more you learn about Skinner, the more you understand he’s not your typical in-line tight end.

In 2024 he led Riverside (SC) to its first playoff appearance in 15 years. Skinner did a little bit of everything. He caught 44 passes for 819 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. He also ran the ball for 321 yards and six scores, finishing the season with 1,340 all-purpose yards. And oh by the way, he also had five sacks. As you might suspect, he’s also good at basketball too, helping his school reach the state title game in 2023 with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks in the semifinal win.

Skinner is showing off that versatility this week while preparing for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. On3’s Charles Power watched a pair of practices before the best players from North and South Carolina compete on the gridiron. Power ranked Skinner as the fourth-best player at the competition.

“Mikkel Skinner is on the shortlist of the most physically impressive prospects at the Shrine Bowl,” writes Power. “A well-built 6-foot-3.5, 220 pounds, Skinner is a jumbo wide receiver who could grow into a mismatch at tight end. The Kentucky signee’s athleticism popped in practice, as he showed burst and the ability to create separation. The ball skills were also encouraging. The four-star prospect has the opportunity to develop into a versatile offensive weapon in Lexington.”

They don’t make ’em like Skinner. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops believes he has a bright future. His offense needs to find creative ways to showcase his unique skillset.

“Mikkel is different, I would say,” Stoops said on Signing Day. “He’s a different build, different skillset. He’s a guy that is a great mismatch. He’s the type of player that could line up as wide receiver. It’s important to be able to be multiple that way, where you could have a guy that if you could put a defense in conflict, whether it’s 11 or 12 personnel, and he have kind of fits that mold. We’ll see where his body goes, but he’s a very athletic guy.”