Transfer Portal Cornerback DJ Waller Jr Visiting Kentucky

Kentucky is in the market for a cornerback in the transfer portal. The Wildcats’ top target begins an official visit today in Lexington.

Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones reports DJ Waller Jr. will be on campus two days after the Michigan cornerback hopped into the transfer portal. Shortly after the news broke, Kentucky emerged as the frontrunner. The latest development only reinforces that belief.

A three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, it was a recruiting showdown between Youngstown natives for the Youngstown athlete. Vince Marrow made multiple trips to his hometown, but Steve Clinckscale secured a commitment from Waller just a few days before the start of the Early Signing Period. Clinkscale left Michigan this offseason and followed Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers,, opening a door of opportunity for the Wildcats.

Waller logged significant snaps as a true freshman for the National Champs in 2023. He appeared in 11 games and rotated in regularly at cornerback, tallying 12 tackles and a pass break-up. His best game was against Michigan State, batting down a pass and recording three take-downs against an in-state rival. He earned Michigan Freshman Defensive Player of the Week honors five times.

This spring he was one of two players competing for a starting cornerback position at Michigan opposite of All-American Will Johnson. It’s difficult to discern who won the job, Waller or Jyaire Hill, but head coach Sherrone Moore was impressed with Waller’s offseason improvement.

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

If Kentucky is able to secure a commitment during the official visit, Waller is on track to start at cornerback opposite of Max Hairston, who led the SEC in interceptions in 2023. This could be another massive transfer portal recruiting win for Vince Marrow.

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join the KSR Club.

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. With the transfer portal open for both basketball and football, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Just $1 gets you one month of access. Come join the club.