Kentucky offers Top 25 rising junior EDGE Ari Watford

One of the top football players in the country — regardless of class — is in talks with the Wildcats.

On Tuesday afternoon, rising junior EDGE Ari Watford announced through social media that he has earned an offer from Kentucky. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound pass rusher is considered the No. 22 prospect and No. 2 overall EDGE in the class of 2025, per the On3 Industry Ranking. Watford, who plays for Maury High School located in Virginia Beach, already holds offers from the likes of Georgia, Penn State, Notre Dame, Southern California, and plenty of others.

Watford is being primarily recruited to Kentucky by defensive coordinator Brad White.

#AGTG I am blessed to receive an offer from The University of Kentucky! #GoBigBlue @CoachWhiteFB @dyrri_mccain @UKFootball pic.twitter.com/6wZcIvsqsb

— Ari Watford ¹ (@ari_watford) April 18, 2023

Despite wrapping up his sophomore season just a few months ago, Watford has already hauled in upwards of 30 Division I scholarship offers. He’s taken recent visits to Georgia (which he’s referred to as his “dream school” in the past), Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. He told On3’s Chad Simmons last week that trips to Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas are also in consideration.

According to Simmons, the trio of Georgia, Notre Dame, and Tennessee have stood out the most so far. Nearby Virginia Tech is also making a push to keep the in-state star close to home.

It’s a crowded list of suitors for Watford, but Kentucky has thrown its hat into the ring.