We are well into the month of March and for many it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not only is March Madness going on but spring practice is underway around the country. Of course Kentucky is no exception. Mark Stoops has a ton of new players on the roster as the UK head man tries to forget a disappointing 4-8 season. We’ve been going position by position through the roster. Recently our focus was on defense, more specifically the defensive line and linebackers. As the title suggests it’s the defensive backfield with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary.
Big Shoes To Fill
Overall the secondary doesn’t have many faces to replace in 2025. However, one notable player who’s gone is Maxwell Hairston. The All-SEC cornerback only played in seven games due to injury. He still managed 19 tackles, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
A healthy Hairston wowed scouts at the NFL Combine and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he’s a first round pick. In fact, many mock drafts have him going in round one.
In addition to Hairston, the Cats also lost safeties, including Zion Childress and Kristian Story. Childress ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles while Story added 27.
Tons Of Returning Depth
As we mentioned earlier, the secondary is one spot on the defense where the Cats have a lot of experience returning. As a result, they only brought in one new player through the transfer portal. As we continue with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let’s start with the cornerbacks.
Your likely starters are JQ Hardaway and DJ Waller Jr. In his third year at Kentucky, Hardaway is coming off his best season. In 2024 the senior made 47 tackles, had four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He’ll be counted on as a leader on defense.
Waller was a big transfer pick up last season coming from then National Champion Michigan. However, he struggled partly due to injury and inconsistent play. Appearing in seven games, Waller made 13 tackles and had two passes defended. He’ll need to take a big step forward this year.
Waiting In The Wings
Terhyon Nichols made a big impact during his freshman season. Playing in eight games the Cincinnati native led the team with five pass breakups to go along with 10 tackles. He could be a breakout candidate in 2025.
Former Ohio State transfer Jantzen Dunn missed the final five games last year due to injury. There’s certainly a recurring theme in the secondary from last year, unable to stay healthy. Nasir Addison and Quay’Sheed Scott are two other players looking to crack the rotation.
UK does have three other players adding additional depth. The lone transfer is Kevis Thomas, who comes to Lexington from Maryland. He appeared in 14 games over two years with the Terrapins making 23 tackles. Quavo Marshall missed all of 2024 due to injury while incoming freshman DeMarcus Gardner had 42 tackles and four interceptions as a high school senior. Three of those he returned for touchdowns.
That’s your cornerback room for the Wildcats. Continuing on with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let’s move to the safeties.
Going With What They Have
One of the interesting things is Kentucky didn’t go after an experienced safety in the portal. That means the guys on the roster need to have big years. Jordan Lovett returns for his final year in Lexington. A season ago he was second on the team with 63 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. Ty Bryant is the starter at the other safety position. The junior’s 46 tackles placed him sixth on the squad. In addition, he had an interception and two forced fumbles.
Behind those two starters UK has some players looking to crack the rotation. Cam Dooley played mostly on special teams during his freshman year, making four tackles. He’s your number three cornerback in the spring. Former Michigan signee Jaden Smith redshirted last year and could end up as a backup to Alex Afari Jr. at the linebacker position.
Martels Carter Jr. ranks as the third best player in Kentucky coming from perennial power Paducah Tilghman. Expectations are high and Carter Jr. should see action from day one. Finally, Kentucky has Dyllon Williams, a former Missouri commit who flipped to the Cats back in October.
Final Thoughts
Despite losing three players the Kentucky secondary looks like one of the strongest groups on the team. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cats go after a cornerback, safety or both in the second transfer portal. As the staff learned last year, you can never have too much depth.
Thanks for checking out our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary here at Last Word On College Football. Next time out we’ll look at the special teams.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
