Since 2019, the Kentucky football program has seen 29 of its players selected in the NFL Draft. To find the last time the Wildcats had that many draftees, you have to look all the way back to the 1970s. As we mentioned in our draft preview, as many as five Kentucky players appeared on various mock drafts. In the end, UK hit 80 percent of that projection, with four Wildcats hearing their names called. Here’s our 2026 Kentucky NFL Draft Recap, detailing who was selected and where they landed. We’ll also highlight additional former Cats who signed as free agents.
Several Former Wildcats Get the Call
From the Big Blue Wall to the NFL
As expected, guard Jalen Farmer was the first Wildcat off the board. He went in the fourth round (113th overall) to the Indianapolis Colts a team where he looks like a strong fit. Indianapolis currently has two solid starters in Matt Goncalves and Quenton Nelson. However, Nelson is in the final year of his contract, and Goncalves is a six-time All-Pro. Farmer will serve as a backup in year one but could become a starter in the near future.
One round later, another Kentucky offensive lineman was drafted. Lexington native Jager Burton was taken by Green Bay in the fifth round (153rd overall). Burton, who played both center and guard at UK, lands with a Packers squad where he could fit in well though he’ll face real competition. Sean Rhyan moved to center during the 2025 season and is the likely starter. Jacob Monk is the backup but saw limited action. Green Bay could also use depth at guard. Burton’s versatility should help him compete for a roster spot.
From 1994 to 2012, Kentucky didn’t have a single offensive lineman drafted. Larry Warford was picked by Detroit in 2013, and then no other UK lineman was selected until 2019. Since then, the Wildcats have had seven offensive linemen drafted.
Two for the Offense
Kendrick Law arrived at Kentucky after three years at Alabama. He finished the 2025 season with 53 catches—25 more than any other Wildcat and led the team with 540 receiving yards while ranking second with three touchdown receptions. Fifteen picks after Burton, Law also went to an NFC North team: the Detroit Lions at pick 168. Like the other two Wildcats, Law seems headed to a favorable situation. Detroit boasts one of the NFL’s best receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, alongside Jameson Williams and Issac TeSlaa. Beyond that, there isn’t much depth. Law could also contribute on special teams and as a kick returner. As the only receiver drafted by Detroit, he has an excellent chance to make the team.
Several early mock drafts had Seth McGowan as a late Day 3 pick, and that’s exactly how it played out. Kentucky’s leading rusher from 2025 joined Farmer in Indianapolis when the Colts selected him in the seventh round (253rd overall). Indy has one of the NFL’s top running backs in Johnathan Taylor, with DJ Giddens right behind him. McGowan should compete for the Colts’ third-string running back spot.
One more interesting note: former Wildcat Barion Brown was taken by New Orleans in the sixth round.
Getting Their Chance
Tight end Josh Kattus didn’t have to travel far to find his NFL home. The Cincinnati native signed a deal with the Bengals. Wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin joined the Buffalo Bills, reuniting with former Kentucky players Ray Davis, Maxwell Hairston, and Deone Walker as part of the “Bills Mafia.”
Two more members of the “Big Blue Wall” also found NFL homes. Offensive tackle Alex Wollschlaeger signed with the New Orleans Saints, while Shiyazh Pete landed a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive lineman Kahlil Saunders signed with the Cowboys as well, and punter Aidan Laros is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Two final notes: former Wildcat receiver Dane Key landed with the Denver Broncos, where he’ll play alongside his brother Devon. Meanwhile, David Gusta a player many thought would be drafted was not selected and, as of this writing, has not signed a free-agent deal.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, it was a solid draft for Kentucky football. With four players selected, the program has now produced 33 NFL draftees since 2019. Given the talent that new head coach Will Stein is bringing in, those numbers should continue to climb.
