KSR Today: A Heavy Dose of Kentucky Spring Football

The calendar has turned from March to April. For Big Blue Nation, that means a change in sports priorities. The basketball team is no longer in action. The transfer portal is moving fast and furiously. Keeneland is just a few days away from opening. Meanwhile, Mark Stoops’ Kentucky football team is hitting the gridiron at spring practice.

The Cats have already surpassed the halfway point, but today will mark the first time members of the media get to see what this new football team looks like in person. Practice is currently underway right now. Drew Franklin and Steven Peake are joining me at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility to be BBN’s eyes and ears.

Following a 4-8 campaign, 21 players left via the transfer portal, making way for the Cats to add 29 players for spring practice. That number will approach 50 once fall camp opens in the summer.

Typically, most eyes are drawn to the new quarterback. While I’m interested to see what Zach Calzada looks like under center, it’s more imperative that he has a solid crew protecting him up front. Kentucky added five offensive linemen from the portal and three defensive linemen. They will draw most of my attention as Eric Wolford looks to rebuild the Big Blue Wall with experienced free agents. You can expect to see highlights and takeaways from practice this afternoon.

More Sights and Sounds from Kentucky Spring Football

Before you get the main course, enjoy a little appetizer from the Kentucky football practice fields by watching a new mic’d up segment with running backs coach Jay Boulware.

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A Transfer Portal Visitor

You gotta keep your head on a swivel when the transfer portal is open. There will certainly be a ton of updates today, but first, the most noteworthy development from Tuesday.

Travis Branham reports Mackenzie Mgbako will visit Kentucky today. The 6-9 forward was once the most coveted uncommitted prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. The five-star McDonald’s All-American decommitted from Duke late in the process before landing at Indiana. Mgbako looked the part as a freshman but plateaued during his sophomore season. There’s a lot of potential that could be unlocked at his next stop.

Shocking Late Night Portal Development for Kentucky

It’s been a few days since Mark Pope picked up a transfer portal commitment. Kentucky fans felt like one was on the horizon. Predictions were rolling in for Kentucky to land 7-footer Magoon Gwath, the Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year from San Diego State. Even Scoop Lemond was sharing Scoop. As we’ve learned over the years, Scoop sometimes gets Scoop’d.

Just before midnight on the East Coast, we learned the Magoon Gwath will not be a Wildcat. Instead, he’s going to stay at San Diego State. Things change quickly in the transfer portal. Even the experts can be surprised by a decision. It can be frustrating, but as Matt Jones pointed out, it’s always wise to let the cake bake and cool until it’s time to put on the icing.

[READ: Who Kentucky has Contacted in the Transfer Portal]

Malachi Moreno Shines in McDonald’s All-American Game

Malachi Moreno looked ready to suit up for the Wildcats during his time on the floor at the McDonald’s All-American Game. One of only ten players to win Mr. Basketball, a Sweet 16 Title, and play for Kentucky, he did not show any fatigue just a few days after he cut down the nets at Rupp Arena.

The future Kentucky center blocked a couple of shots, including a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter. He scrapped for a few offensive rebounds and played with some physicality. On the offensive end, he’s clearly willing and able to use either hand, finishing all three of his buckets near the rim with his left. What’s going to make him a problem for opponents is that he can also knock down this shot.

Yep, @malachimoreno24 can make it rain from deep 💦

📺 – ESPN pic.twitter.com/zMbukOfoJM

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 2, 2025

Moreno made every one of his field goal attempts and finished with nine points as his East Team fell 105-92. In the girls’ game, future Cat Kaelyn Carroll‘s squad fell behind early, but she still was able to squeeze in a few highlights.

An SEC Basketball Coaching Vacancy

Buzz Williams just completed year six at Texas A&M. As we’ve learned about the well-dressed, quirky head coach, that’s more than enough years at one place.

Williams spent six years at Marquette, five at Virginia Tech, then six more at College Station before deciding he was ready for a new challenge. Buzz is leaving the SEC for the ACC, ending a quick coaching search for Maryland after Kevin Willard played ’em like a fiddle for Villanova.

A&M’s deep pockets make this an intriguing opening, one that could pull away an SEC coach from the Magnolia State. I think we can all agree that the SEC will be a much more enjoyable place without having to sit through endless end-of-game timeouts while watching a team that plays Hockey Basketball.

Thoughts and Prayers to this Hawks Fan

Not all “life comes at you fast” moments are created equally. This guy thought he had a shot to win a contest during a break at a Hawks game. Instead, he broke something in his leg. Brutal.

a Hawks fan tore his ACL 😭 pic.twitter.com/v1p0xsfqhN

— APHoops (@APH00PS) April 2, 2025