Michigan cornerback DJ Waller Jr. transfers to Kentucky

How about a big-time Yahtzee to keep the good weekend vibes rolling? Michigan cornerback transfer DJ Waller Jr., a former three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, has committed to Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Youngstown native made the announcement on Saturday, making Lexington his new home after a brief stay in Ann Arbor. The move comes after Stoops and Vince Marrow lost the first recruiting battle out of high school, only to win the war down the line.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore raved about the defensive back during spring practice, calling Waller a star in the making.

“DJ Waller played a little bit last year, but he’s been awesome,” Moore said. “He’s been super impressive — super long, super athletic. I think he’s going to be a phenomenal player.”

After entering the portal on April 24, though, he quickly scheduled a visit to Kentucky and made it official this weekend.

He will have three years of eligibility remaining in Lexington.

In his lone season with the Wolverines, Waller racked up 12 tackles (eight solo) with one pass deflection across six games accumulating stats, earning Michigan Freshman Defensive Player of the Week honors five times. And that was for a national championship-winning roster as a true freshman.

Expectations were high for Waller in year two, the rising sophomore expected to compete for the CB2 spot alongside All-American Will Johnson — and there was a real shot he was going to win it. Instead, the 6-3 defensive back is expected to come in and compete for immediate playing time in blue and white.

The future of Kentucky’s secondary is Waller and Max Hairston following another prized portal add for Stoops, Marrow and the entire UK coaching staff.