Kiyaunta Goodwin will sit out 2023 season

Former Kentucky offensive tackle Kiyaunta Goodwin entered the transfer portal for the second time on Aug. 1 when the Louisville native announced his intentions to leave Florida after just a few months in Gainesville. Instead of applying for an NCAA hardship waiver to get eligible in 2023, Goodwin will just sit out this season.

Goodwin’s trainer Chris Vaughn spoke with 247 Sports and confirmed that Goodwin is not going to be on a college football roster this fall. The class of 2022 recruit is helping take care of his mother, Kim Durham, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

“He’s home to help her with the transition process while also trying to figure out what’s the best situation for him,” Vaughn said. “He’s going to take this time for now and spend it with her.”

“When the process runs its course, whatever direction it may be, we’ll reassess at the end of the year and figure out what the situation will be then.”

Kiyaunta Goodwin was the No. 55 overall player in the 2022 On3 Industry Ranking. The high four-star prospect had a highly competitive recruitment that ended with the blue-chipper picking Kentucky over Michigan State, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Alabama. However, Goodwin never made a push for playing time during his only season on campus. The offensive tackle entered the transfer portal after the season landing at Florida. Goodwin was pushing for playing time at right tackle before deciding to leave Gainesville.

For now, Goodwin will focus on family while putting his college football journey on hold while he tends to his mother.