KSR's 2025 Kentucky Baseball Season Preview

At long last, the 2025 Kentucky Baseball season is finally here. The Wildcats open their season on the road at Lipscomb for a weekend series February 14-16.

The last two seasons have been unbelievable for the Nick Mingione-led Wildcats, who are 86-37 since the start of the 2023 season. Their 69.92% win percentage in that span ranks seventh best in all of College Baseball behind just LSU (70.8%), Clemson (71.54%), Arkansas (71.9%), Wake Forest (73.02%), Tennessee (74.82%), and Virginia (75%).

It will be extremely hard to top the 2024 season, which saw Kentucky win a program record 46 games and make its first ever appearance in the Men’s College World Series. If the Big Blue Nation knows anything about coach Mingione however, he’s all about moving the goalposts.

2025 Schedule:

Fri, Feb. 14: @ Lipscomb (1:00 pm) – Season Opener
Fri, Feb. 14: @ Lipscomb (4:00 pm)
Sun, Feb. 16: @ Lipscomb (2:00 pm)
Tue, Feb. 18: Morehead State (4:00 pm) – Home Opener
Fri, Feb. 21: @ Belmont (5:00 pm)
Sat, Feb. 22: @ Belmont (2:00 pm)
Sun, Feb. 23: @ Belmont (2:00 pm)
Tue, Feb. 25: Evansville (4:00 pm)
Fri, Feb. 28: Hofstra (4:00 pm)
Sat, Mar 1: Hofstra (1:00 pm)
Sun, Mar 2: Hofstra (12:00 pm)
Tue, Mar 4: @ Eastern Kentucky (6:00 pm)
Wed, Mar 5: Eastern Kentucky (4:00 pm)
Fri, Mar 7: Wofford (4:00 pm)
Sat, Mar 8: Wofford (1:00 pm)
Sun, Mar 9: Wofford (1:00 pm)
Fri, Mar 14: @ No. 8 Georgia (6:00 pm) – SEC Opener
Sat, Mar 15: @ No. 8 Georgia (2:00 pm) – KSR’s Georgia Preview
Sun, Mar 16: @ No. 8 Georgia (1:00 pm)
Tue, Mar 18: Murray State (6:30 pm)
Fri, Mar 21: Auburn (6:30 pm) – SEC Home Opener
Sat, Mar 22: Auburn (2:00 pm) – KSR’s Auburn Preview
Sun, Mar 23: Auburn (2:00 pm)
Tue, Mar 25: Xavier (6:30 pm)
Fri, Mar 28: @ No. 1 Texas A&M (7:00 pm) – KSR’s Texas A&M Preview
Sat, Mar 29: @ No. 1 Texas A&M (3:00 pm)
Sun, Mar 30: @ No. 1 Texas A&M (2:00 pm)
Thu, Apr 3: Ole Miss (7:00 pm) – KSR’s Ole Miss Preview
Fri, Apr 4: Ole Miss (6:30 pm)
Sat, Apr 5: Ole Miss (2:00 pm)
Tue, Apr 8: @ Louisville (8:00 pm)
Fri, Apr 11: No. 19 Texas (6:30 pm) – KSR’s Texas Preview
Sat, Apr 12: No. 19 Texas (12:00 pm)
Sun, Apr 13: No. 19 Texas (12:00 pm)
Tue, Apr 15: Miami OH (7:00 pm)
Fri, Apr 18: @ No. 4 Tennessee (6:30 pm) – KSR’s Tennessee Preview
Sat, Apr 19: @ No. 4 Tennessee (6:00 pm)
Sun, Apr 20: @ No. 4 Tennessee (1:00 pm)
Tue, Apr 22: Louisville (6:30 pm)
Fri, Apr 25: South Carolina (6:30 pm) – KSR’s South Carolina Preview
Sat, Apr 26: South Carolina (4:30 pm)
Sun, Apr 27: South Carolina (1:00 pm)
Tue, Apr 29: @ Western Kentucky (7:00 pm)
Fri, May 2: @ No. 18 Mississippi State (7:00 pm) – KSR’s Mississippi State Preview
Sat, May 3: @ No. 18 Mississippi State (3:00 pm)
Sun, May 4: @ No. 18 Mississippi State (1:00 pm)
Fri, May 9: Oklahoma (6:30 pm) – KSR’s Oklahoma Preview
Sat, May 10: Oklahoma (12:30 pm)
Sun, May 11: Oklahoma (1:00 pm)
Tue, May 13: Northern Kentucky (6:30 pm)
Thu, May 15: @ No. 16 Vanderbilt (7:00 pm) – KSR’s Vanderbilt Preview
Fri, May 16: @ No. 16 Vanderbilt (7:00 pm)
Sat, May 17: @ No. 16 Vanderbilt (3:00 pm)

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Now is the perfect time to contact Andy to learn more. Remember his services are 100% free and he’s here to help if you have any questions about business ownership! Head to MyPerfectFranchise.net to learn more or you can text or call Andy at 404.973.9901.

Note: NIL donations will vary based on the size of the deal. 

Meet the Players:

Jr. RHP Nile Adcock (Transfer from Kaskaskia CC)

• 6-2, 195 lbs from Pinckneyville, IL.
• Spent two seasons at Kaskaskia Community College (Centralia, IL).
• Made 30 appearances with 26 starts in two seasons.
• In 2024, compiled 7-3 record with a 2.91 ERA in 74 1/3 innings pitched. In 2023, went 7-4 with a save and a 5.23 ERA in 65 1/3 innings pitched.

So. RHP Chase Alderman (Transfer from Eastern Kentucky)

• 6-5, 215 lbs from Morehead, KY.
• Spent two seasons at Eastern Kentucky (Richmond, KY), but redshirted the 2024 season after recovering from UCL surgery.
• Selected to ASUN All-Freshman Team in 2023 after posting a 4.43 ERA in 44 2/3 innings.
• “I’m extremely excited to play for the Cats. I’ve grown up watching all Kentucky sports, so I’ve always wanted to play for them growing up. It’s like a dream come true.” – Alderman.
• “The thing I’m looking forward to the most is being able to play in a city that has the amount of support that we do here at Kentucky. I was able to come to the Regional/Super Regional this year and the environment here is unlike anywhere I’ve ever seen. My personal goals for this year are to get healthy again so I can pitch my absolute best and help us get back to Omaha.” – Alderman.

Fr. C Nolan Belcher

• 6-4, 215 lbs from Jonesboro, AR.
• Ninth ranked player, second ranked catcher in state of Arkansas (Class of 2024).
• “Nolan Belcher is a 2024 C/UT with a 6-3 195 lb. frame from Jonesboro, AR who attends Walnut Ridge. XL, proportional, projectable, physical frame. At the plate starts in a traditional straight up stance with hands close to body. Shows excellent intent in the swing, and when its all connected, it’s loud. Has over the fence power potential. Behind the plate he crouches in a side-saddle position on setup. Gets out of his crouch well and gains ground. Has a tendency to fall to third base side on his throws to second base, but has the arm strength to make up for it. Ball has zip and carry to the bag. Very accurate. Clocked a 7.3 60-yard dash. Good student” – Perfect Game.

Fr. INF Tyler Bell

• 6-1, 200 lbs from Frankfort, IL.
• 59th ranked player, 15th ranked shortstop in Class of 2024. Second ranked player, first ranked shortstop in state of Illinois (Class of 2024).
• Third highest ranked prospect in Kentucky Baseball history (Alex Meyer and Ryan Hagenow).
• Named sixth best freshman in SEC by D1Baseball.
• Named 47th best shortstop in College Baseball by D1Baseball.
• Bell was drafted with the 66th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. He however decided to turn down the pros and will be a Kentucky Wildcat until at least 2026, when he is eligible to be selected again.
• “Tyler is an outstanding player and tremendous person. He will perfectly fit into our culture both on and off the field. The Kentucky baseball program got better today.” – Nick Mingione.
• Tyler Bell is a 2024 SS/2B, 3B with a 6-1 175 lb. frame from Frankfort, IL who attends Lincoln-Way East. Recorded a 6.81 second sixty yard dash time, showcasing good speed. Lean and athletic frame with present strength. Primary shortstop who is very light on his feet and is a smooth mover through the infield. Has excellent feel for the glove and soft hands. Utilizes a short and compact arm action and gets the ball out quickly. Has plenty of twitch and athleticism to his actions with the arm strength and skills to stay at shortstop at the next level. Switch-hitter with a slightly open stance and high hand set, utilizes a leg lift trigger. Has plenty of bat speed and a whip to the barrel, produced loud contact to his pull side. Showed good balance and extension in the swing and looks to do damage. Consistently hit the ball hard in BP and in game. Very skilled player with a high ceiling. Excellent student. Pittsburgh commit. Named to the 2022 Midwest Top Prospect Games Top Prospect List.” – Perfect Game.

So. RHP Oliver Boone (Transfer from California)

• 6-4, 215 lbs from North Hollywood, CA.
• Boone announced his transfer to Kentucky on June 22.
• As a freshman, Boone pitched 30 1/3 innings and compiled a 1-1 record with a 4.45 ERA. Held opponents to just a .188 B/AVG.
• “I really like the way the guys are all in it together and how everyone is coached. Also pitching in this conference and facing the best college hitters is going to be the best way for me to get drafted. Also playing with some of the best college players and hopefully making it to Omaha.” – Boone.

R-Fr. INF Hudson Brown

• 6-6, 220 lbs from Olive Branch, MS.
• Redshirted last season.
• Last summer, Brown played with the Lincoln Potters of the Pacific Empire League. He hit for a .337 batting average with eight doubles, one home run and 19 RBI.

R-5th Yr. C Devin Burkes

• 6-3, 215 lbs from Bradenton, FL.
• In his three seasons at Kentucky, Burkes has cemented himself as one of the most prolific Wildcats of all time. A recipient of the Mr. Wildcat Award at the 2024 CATSPYS, Devin has led Kentucky to a 84-37 record in games he’s played in. In 141 career games, Burkes sports a career .275 average with 36 doubles, 15 home runs, and 35 RBI.
• He was named to the All-Lexington Regional team in both 2023 and 2024.
• Had surgery over the offseason but should be ready to go by Opening Day, according to Nick Mingione. The 2025 season will be his third as Kentucky’s starting catcher.
• Burkes was named Preseason First Team All-SEC at the catcher position, alongside Auburn’s Ike Irish. He was one of two Wildcats to receive Preseason All-SEC honors (Robert Hogan).

R-Sr. LHP Evan Byers

• 5-11, 180 lbs from Nicholasville, KY.
• Byers has been a staple of the Wildcat bullpen over the past two seasons, making 46 appearances since the beginning of 2023. In that time (43 innings), he’s compiled a 4-1 record with a 3.56 ERA.
• The left-hander held Texas A&M to just four hits and zero runs in three innings in Kentucky’s loss to the Aggies in the 2024 Men’s College World Series.
• This will be Byers’ fifth and final season at Kentucky. He will be one of eight seniors on the Wildcat pitching staff.

So. OF Griffin Cameron

• 6-1, 180 lbs from Lexington, KY.
• As a freshman last season, Cameron played in nine games. He hit for a .190 average with four RBI. As one of the fastest players on the team, he stole two bases.
• Last summer, Cameron played with the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League. He led the team in batting and hits, compiling a .374 batting average. He also had 19 multi-hit games in 38 games played.

So. LHP Ben Cleaver

• 6-3, 185 lbs from Thompsons Station, TN.
• As a freshman, Cleaver pitched 6 1/3 innings to a 4.26 ERA with 11 strikeouts and three walks. He was a hero in Kentucky’s win over Florida on May 12, 2024, striking out a Gator batter on three pitches with the tying runs in scoring position to clinch the series for the Cats.
• Lingering injuries kept Cleaver from being last season’s midweek starter. The job instead went to Drew Lafferty, who transferred to Pittsburgh over the offseason.
• It was announced on Wednesday that Cleaver would be a member of Kentucky’s starting pitching rotation to open the season.
• “Ben Cleaver has been our guy that if you asked ‘Coach Minge, what returning pitcher’s made the biggest jump?’ I’d tell you it’s been Ben Cleaver. He’s throwing the ball as well as anybody right now. Three and four pitches for a strike so I’m excited to see what he brings.” – Nick Mingione.

Fr. RHP Bradley Ferrell

• 6-3, 185 lbs from La Porte, IN.
• 235th ranked player, 71st ranked right-handed pitcher in Class of 2024. Fourth ranked player, second ranked right-handed pitcher in state of Indiana (Class of 2024).
• Was named 2024 Perfect Game Preseason All-American.

So. INF Kyuss Gargett

• 6-1, 190 lbs from Anderson, IN.
• Gargett played in 12 games last year (primarily at shortstop) due to Grant Smith’s injury. In 21 at-bats, Gargett compiled a .143 average with one double, one triple, and one home run. The sophomore will likely begin the season as a backup infielder, but was listed as one of the finalists for the third base job by Nick Mingione (Gargett, Ethan Hindle, or Patrick Herrera).

Sr. RHP Simon Gregersen (Transfer from Indiana State)

• 6-3, 195 lbs from Elk River, MN.
• Prior to transferring to Kentucky in the offseason, Gregersen played two seasons at Indiana State. In those two seasons, the right-hander made 36 appearances (two starts) and pitched to a 4.22 ERA with a 1-2 record. He also totaled nine career saves in 59 2/3 innings pitched.
• Gregersen will be returning to Kentucky Proud Park, where he pitched for the Sycamores in the 2024 Lexington Regional. He saw action against Illinois and Kentucky, allowing no hits and no earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.
• He will be one of eight seniors on the Wildcat pitching staff.
• Gregersen was named to the initial Watch List for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball.

Fr. LHP Logan Grubb

• 6-0, 170 lbs from Lawrenceburg, KY. Attended school at Anderson County.
• 29th ranked player, fourth ranked left-handed pitcher in state of Kentucky (Class of 2024).

R-Fr. LHP Adam Hachman (Transferred from Arkansas)

• 6-5, 225 lbs from Wentzville, MO.
• Hachman, who was the 58th ranked player in the Class of 2023, redshirted last season. He was ranked the No. 83 overall second-year player by Perfect Game.

Sr. UTIL Cole Hage (Transferred from Columbia)

• 6-3, 240 lbs from Fargo, ND.
• Prior to his transfer to Kentucky, Hage excelled at Columbia. He was named a First Team All-Ivy League selection in all three seasons, hitting for a .331 average in 130 career games with 26 home runs, 102 RBI, and a .577 SLG%. He will likely begin the season as Kentucky’s designated hitter.
• Was a team captain in two of his three seasons at Columbia.
• Named 85th best outfielder in College Baseball by D1Baseball.
• Hage was named Second Team Preseason NCBWA All-American at the designated hitter position.

Jr. OF Carson Hansen (Transferred from Milwaukee)

• 6-2, 225 lbs from Pewaukee, WI.
• Hansen was a prolific player at Milwaukee, as he was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team in 2023 and the Horizon All-League First Team in 2024. In 78 career games, Hansen has a career .312 batting average with 26 doubles, 11 home runs, 63 RBI, and a .601 SLG%.
• He hit 25 of his 26 career doubles last season, which ranked seventh most in all of College Baseball. He will likely begin the season as a backup outfielder, but could easily find his way into Kentucky’s lineup at some point.
• He originally transferred to Arkansas, but decided to make the move to Kentucky instead.
• “Especially going into my draft year, I want to go out and prove myself against the best of the best in college baseball, which year in and year out is the SEC. I think thats part of just being a competitor, you want to play the best and you want to beat them.” – Hansen
• “Man, I just know I’m going to play the brand of baseball they have been used to. Just a ton of energy, fire, and passion for the guys and winning. I’m leaving it all on the field every single night. Just can’t wait to get down to Lexington, UK is my family now.” – Hansen

Fr. RHP Nate Harris

• 6-4, 225 lbs from Yorkville, IL.
• 286th ranked player, 50th ranked outfielder in Class of 2024. Ninth ranked player, first ranked outfielder in state of Illinois (Class of 2024).
• Harris joins now teammate Tyler Bell as two major freshman additions from the state of Illinois.

Fr. LHP Leighton Harris

• 6-3, 215 lbs from Lexington, KY. Attended high school at Frederick Douglass.
• 208th ranked player, 27th ranked left-handed pitcher in Class of 2024. Second ranked player, first ranked left-handed pitcher in state of Kentucky (Class of 2024). Was named the 2024 PrepBaseball Kentucky Pitcher of the Year.
• Named 39th best freshman in SEC by D1Baseball.
• Harris was ranked the No. 158 best freshman for the upcoming season by Perfect Game.

Sr. LHP Cole Hentschel (Transferred from Richmond)

• 5-9, 210 lbs from Pine Bush, NY.
• The 2025 season will be Hentschel’s fifth and final season of College Baseball, as he redshirted in 2021. In four seasons at Richmond, the left-hander saw 44 2/3 innings of action and posted a 5.04 ERA (5-2 record).
• He will be one of eight seniors on the Wildcat pitching staff.
• “Excited is an understatement. This team has proven it has a winning culture and I can’t wait to be apart of it and fight for a National Championship.” – Hentschel
• “I’m passionate and want to win. I want people to remember me as a positive impact on the University and leave it a little better then before I was here.” – Hentschel

Sr. INF Patrick Herrera

• 6-2, 190 lbs from Mesa, AZ.
• 2025 will mark Herrera’s third season at Kentucky and likely first as a starter. In two seasons, “Patty Pics” has played in 40 games and has compiled a .299 batting average with four doubles and 16 RBI.
• Herrera came up big in Kentucky’s win over Florida on May 12, 2024, belting a game-winning bases loaded double in extra innings to clinch the series as part of a four-RBI game.

So. INF Ethan Hindle

• 6-1, 200 lbs from Delafield, WI.
• As a freshman last season, Hindle appeared in seven games (12 at-bats). He totaled just one hit, a three-run double in Kentucky’s 10-0 win over Eastern Kentucky on March 5, 2024.
• Last summer, Hindle played with the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League. He hit for a .254 average with nine doubles, five home runs, and 29 RBI. He was named a finalist for the third base position alongside Kyuss Gargett and Patrick Herrera.

Sr. RHP Robert Hogan

• 6-0, 195 lbs from North Oaks, MN.
• Hogan was one of Kentucky’s most impactful players down the stretch last season, allowing just five earned runs over his final 17 1/3 innings of action. In total, “Bobby Spins” pitched 40 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for a 3.10 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 21 walks.
• Alongside Devin Burkes, Hogan was named a Preseason All-SEC Selection (Second Team). He was also named the 47th best senior in all of College Baseball by Perfect Game.
• He will be one of eight seniors on an experienced Wildcat pitching staff, led by himself, Evan Byers, and Jackson Nove.
• Named 42nd best relief pitcher in College Baseball by D1Baseball.
• Hogan was also named to the initial Watch List for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball.

Fr. RHP Tristan Hunter

• 6-2, 180 lbs from Forsyth, MO.
• 11th ranked player, fourth ranked right-handed pitcher in state of Missouri (Class of 2024).

R-Jr. RHP Jaxon Jelkin (Transferred from Houston)

• 6-5, 195 lbs from Omaha, NE.
• Jelkin transferred to Kentucky late in the Portal cycle. However, he will not pitch this season due to a prior injury. At Houston last season, the right-hander was the Cougars’ Opening Day starter. He compiled a 3.41 ERA in 34 1/3 innings pitched with a 46:10 K-BB ratio.

Sr. INF Dylan Koontz (Transferred from Campbell)

• 6-0, 215 lbs from Huntersville, NC.
• “Big Biscuit” spent three seasons at Campbell, but did not play in 2023. Over those two seasons, Koontz played in 56 games and hit for a .267 average. He also totaled six RBI, 35 RBI, and a .488 SLG%.
• Koontz is the second player to transfer from Kentucky to Campbell in just the past two seasons, joining right-hander Cameron O’Brien. O’Brien set the Kentucky program record for appearances out of the bullpen (36) in 2024.
• According to Nick Mingione’s radio show, he will start the season as Kentucky’s first baseman.
• “I am very excited to play against some of the best teams and players in the country. I always want to be able to play against the best because that’s the only way to stay on top of your game. I’ve played against some really good teams and players and I enjoy playing those type of players and teams.” – Koontz.
• “A guy by the name of Dylan Koontz coming out of the fall had won [the first base] job. He’s a left-handed bat and a transfer from Campbell. He’s a great personality and he can really swing it. You’ll enjoy watching him.” – Nick Mingione.

Fr. INF Aidan Larkin

• 6-0, 185 lbs from Cartersville, GA.
• 55th ranked player, 10th ranked shortstop in state of Georgia (Class of 2024).
• Larkin was ranked the 480th best freshman in College Baseball by Perfect Game.

Jr. INF Luke Lawrence (Transferred from Illinois State)

• 6-0, 185 lbs from Evergreen Park, IL.
• Lawrence played two seasons at Illinois State, where he saw action in 67 games. In 263 career at-bats, the Illinois native sports a career .327 average with 15 doubles, 3 home runs, and 54 RBI. He will likely start the season at second base for Kentucky.
• Named 34th best second baseman in College Baseball by D1Baseball.

Sr. OF Will Marcy (Transferred from Memphis)

• 6-3, 210 lbs from Raleigh, NC.
• The senior outfielder spent two seasons at NC State prior to transferring to Memphis for the 2024 season. Marcy, who has battled injuries throughout his career, played in just 21 games last season. However, he hit for a stellar .358 average with four doubles and a home run.

Sr. RHP Nic McCay (Transfer from South Dakota State)

• 6-0, 210 lbs from Carlisle, IA.
• McCay, who was selected to the All-Summit League First Team in 2024 and All-Summit League Second Team in 2019 and 2022, transferred to Kentucky over the offseason. The 2025 season will mark McCay’s seventh in College Baseball, as he missed 2020, 2021, and 2023 due to injuries.
• In 40 career appearances (32 starts), the right-hander boasts a career 5.05 ERA with 177 strikeouts and 79 walks in 173 innings pitched. His experience will be vital for a Kentucky pitching staff that returns just 125 1/3 innings pitched from last season’s team.
• It was announced on Wednesday that McCay would be a member of Kentucky’s starting pitching rotation to open the season.
• Named 118th best starting pitcher in College Baseball by D1Baseball.
• “I’m just trying to do my role. Obviously I can see myself there and I have a lot of belief and confidence in myself.” – McCay.

R-Jr. OF/RHP James McCoy

• 6-4, 215 lbs from Port St. Joe, FL.
• The redshirt junior, who is one of the strongest outfield arms in all of College Baseball, returns to Lexington for his third season at Kentucky this year. In his prior two seasons, McCoy has hit for a .223 average in 269 career at-bats. Along with playing a stellar right field, he can also get it done on the mound as well.
• In eight career appearances on the mound, McCoy holds a perfect 0.00 ERA in eight innings pitched. He earned his first career save on March 24, 2024, when he came on in relief from right field and finished off Missouri to earn the series win.
• Whether its at designated hitter or right field, expect the Port St. Joe, FL native to get the start for Kentucky on Opening Day.

Sr. OF Shaun Montoya (Transferred from San Diego State)

• 6-0, 180 lbs from Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
• Shaun Montoya spent three seasons at San Diego State after transferring from UC Irvine. In 148 career games, Montoya boasts a career .306 batting average with 27 doubles, five home runs, 43 RBI, and 31 stolen bases. He was named a Second-Team All-Mountain West Selection in 2023.
• This past season, the outfielder hit for a .327 batting average with nine doubles, three home runs, and 17 RBI.
• “I knew that Kentucky has been a good program. The two years before they were in a Super Regional. And this past year in Omaha. I know that that have a good foundation that they have implemented in the culture in the program. And it has always been a dream of mine to go play in the SEC and compete in the biggest stage in college baseball.” – Montoya.
• “I really like how [Nick Mingione and Dan Roszel] are family oriented and that is important to both. And have both done a great job helping me transition to Kentucky and SEC baseball. My goal is to bring experience and work ethic, and to fill whatever the needs are.” – Montoya.

Sr. LHP Jackson Nove

• 6-5, 230 lbs from Fairfax, IA.
• The left-hander returns as one of Kentucky’s most experienced arms. Over the span of three seasons in Lexington, Nove has pitched 65 innings to a 5.95 ERA (4-0 record). Along with Evan Byers, Nove will held lead the bullpen into a new era of Kentucky Baseball.
• Nove was nails in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, allowing just three earned runs and one hit in four appearances (3 2/3 innings) against Indiana State, Oregon State, NC State, and Florida.

Fr. RHP Cameron Owens

• 5-11, 185 lbs from Harrodsburg, KY. Attended high school at Boyle County.

Sr. C Raphael Pelletier (Transferred from Kansas State)

• 6-0, 200 lbs from Maccouche, Quebec.
• Pronounced ‘Pell-Tee-A’
• Joins Émilien Pitre as recent Kentucky players to hail from Quebec.
• He was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2023 with a .257 batting average and six home runs. He experienced a bit of a down year in 2024 however, as he hit just .210 with nine home runs. Two of his nine home runs came against Oklahoma State on April 20.
• Is one of two catchers on Kentucky’s roster with NCAA Tournament experience.
• The former Kansas State catcher was the 42nd best transfer in the portal according to 64Analytics.

Fr. OF/RHP Khaleel Pratt

• 6-5, 220 lbs from Evans, GA.
• 58th ranked player, 10th ranked outfielder in state of Georgia (Class of 2024).
• Was named 2024 South Florida Collegiate Summer Baseball League All-Star.
• Pratt went viral for a poster dunk in January 2024.

Sr. RHP Cooper Robinson

• 6-5, 220 lbs from Folsom, CA.
• Robinson is Kentucky’s lone returning start on the mound from last season. In 2024, the former UC-Irvine transfer made 13 appearances (one start), pitching to a 7.24 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. Although the ERA was a bit inflated, he sports a perfect 2-0 record.
• He will be one of eight seniors on the Wildcat pitching staff.

Sr. RHP Scott Rouse (Transferred from Radford)

• 6-0, 190 lbs from Seven Hills, OH.
• Rouse is a seasoned arm with 83 1/3 innings of pitching experience in two seasons at Radford. In that time, he made 17 starts and pitched to a 5.72 ERA.
• In an inning of work in Kentucky’s October 6 scrimmage against Wright State, Rouse gave up three hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters.
• He will be one of eight seniors on the Wildcat pitching staff.

Fr. C/UTIL Ryan Schwartz

• 6-4, 215 lbs from Indian Trail, NC.
• Originally committed to Texas, but decided to transfer to Kentucky for his freshman season.
• 128th ranked player, 11th ranked catcher in Class of 2024. First ranked player, first ranked catcher in state of North Carolina (Class of 2024).
• Schwartz was ranked the 86th best freshman in College Baseball and 50th best freshman in the SEC by Perfect Game.
• “Ryan Schwartz is a 2024 C/RHP/1B with a 6-3 205 lb. frame from Indian Trail, NC who attends Combine Academy. Taller and long limbed body with a look that has a shot to be very strong down the road. Ran a 6.80 in the sixty yard dash. A primary catcher, good quickness for a big frame and has good balance through release. Lots of carry on the throws with good velocity, 83 mph, and very good accuracy during drills. He popped a 1.88 and showed polish. Also worked out in the outfield and infield with good athletic actions (OF-96, INF-92). A right-handed hitter, huge power potential with strong hands and the ability to get the head out and lift balls to the pull side. Huge juice in the bat moving forward.” – Perfect Game

R-Fr. RHP Tommy Skelding

• 6-3, 200 lbs from Atwater, OH.
• Redshirted in 2024.

So. OF Eli Small

• 6-1, 190 lbs from Eklhorn, NE.
• As a freshman last season, Small saw action in 12 games. In 11 at-bats, he hit for a .273 average with a double and a home run. His pinch-hit RBI double in Kentucky’s game against Florida on May 10, 2024 led to a Wildcats win.
• Has a real opportunity to start in the outfield this season, and if not start, be a major contributor for this Kentucky team.
• Last summer, Small played with the Lincoln Potters of the Pacific Empire League. He hit for a .304 average with three doubles and 14 RBI. He had six multi-hit games.

R-So. LHP Hayden Smith

• 6-2, 210 lbs from Nicholasville, KY.
• After redshirting in 2023, Smith appeared in four games last season for the Cats. In 3 1/3 innings, he posted a 5.40 ERA. The left-hander will certainly see more game action in 2025.

Fr. RHP Zak Spurrier

• 6-2, 220 lbs from Elizabethtown, KY. Attended high school at Central Hardin.
• 434th ranked player, 138th ranked right-handed pitcher in Class of 2024. Fifth ranked player, third ranked right-handed pitcher in state of Kentucky (Class of 2024).
• Schwartz was ranked the 373rd best freshman in College Baseball by Perfect Game.

Jr. LHP Ethan Walker (Transferred from Longwood)

• 6-2, 195 lbs from Midlothian, VA.
• Transferred to Kentucky this offseason after two seasons at Longwood. In 84 2/3 career innings pitched, Walker boasts a 4.25 ERA with a 5-4 record. Has 18 career starts under his belt and started Kentucky’s scrimmage against Wright State on October 6. In three innings, Walker gave up four hits and three earned runs while striking out three batters and walking two.
• Was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team in 2023.
• It was announced on Wednesday that Walker would be a member of Kentucky’s starting pitching rotation to open the season.
• “I think he’s gonna be a really good fit man. Similar to me where he was at a place where he didn’t get to win very much. Now he gets to be around a place where winning is all that matters. Excited to see him get the experience to win and the BBN experience.” – Hunter Gilliam.
• “I’m looking forward to winning and developing a close relationship with the coaches and the team. My goals for this season is to help the team win in any way I can and get back to Omaha.” – Walker.