Noah Matthews could commit to Kentucky on National Signing Day

The first day of February is the penultimate day of the 2022 recruiting calendar year. National Signing Day is almost here. Even though it does not have as much fanfare as the Early Signing Period, Kentucky could add one more player to its highest-ranked recruiting class ever, defensive lineman Noah Matthews.

Few FBS programs were seeking out the services of Matthews a year ago. The 6-foot-5, 250 pound all-state defensive lineman from Delaware was once committed to Weber State. After a successful senior season, he caught Brad White’s eye. Matthews took an official visit to Kentucky over the weekend and received a scholarship offer, firmly pitting UK against Illinois when he reveals his decision Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm ET.

#AG2G Very blessed to receive an offer from the University of Kentucky!! @RowlandRIVALS @EdwardsCBS @adamgorney @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 pic.twitter.com/bDGKRFeazR

— ɴᴏᴀʜ ᴍᴀᴛᴛʜᴇᴡꜱ (@LightsOutNoah) January 29, 2022

Matthews’ Mom is Sold on Kentucky

Stoops is fighting a friend for Matthews’ services, Bret Bielema. The Illinois coach is facing an uphill battle, thanks to John Calipari. Following his official visit, Matthews spoke with 247 Sports’ Brian Dohn about the trip to UK, revealing the city of Lexington stole his mother’s heart.

“Mom loved it,” Matthews said. “Kentucky is actually her dream school. My family is big into basketball. I’m a football guy but she is big into basketball and she loves Kentucky basketball.”

Stoops might be penning Calipari a thank you note on National Signing Day.

If he chooses the Wildcats, Matthews will not be the most celebrated member of Kentucky’s recruiting class. However, he could end up being the most productive player in the class. That’s exactly what happened the last time a former FCS-commit from the Northeast picked Kentucky at the eleventh hour. Of course, it’s a long shot that Matthews becomes the next Josh Allen, but the Delaware defensive lineman could be the diamond in the rough that fits like a glove on Brad White’s defense.