With the class of 2025 nearly complete, the Kentucky Wildcats are shifting their focus to adding transfer players for the coming season and recruiting for the class of 2026.
As of now, Kentucky has not secured any commitments for the 2026 class. However, with January here, the first junior day events and a wave of unofficial visits from recruits are expected soon.
Crucially, recruits from the 2026 class are beginning to reveal their preferred schools, and 3-star interior offensive lineman Joel Ervin has included Kentucky in his top 10 list.
Ervin, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound lineman from Fort Myers, FL, will face stiff competition, as his top choices also feature Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Louisville, Miami, South Carolina, Syracuse, UCF, and USC. A Sea of Blue spoke to Ervin about why Kentucky stood out to him, citing the Wildcats’ strong program, their SEC affiliation, and his good rapport with the coaching staff.
“I included Kentucky in my top 10 because of the promising program they are developing, and being an SEC school also matters. I also have a great relationship with coach [Eric] Wolford, the offensive line coach,” Ervin explained. “We communicate often, and they’ve been in touch with me over the summer, which helps strengthen our relationship.”
When asked about Kentucky’s celebrated offensive line tradition, known as the “Big Blue Wall,” Ervin noted its significance and the pride it brings to players in the position.
“The Big Blue Wall means a lot. It’s an impressive tradition that matters significantly to the players in that position group,” he stated.
Regarding his potential contributions as a freshman, Ervin emphasized his dedication to hard work and his desire to make an immediate impact. “I would bring intensity from day one and focus on honing my skills throughout my freshman year,” he said.
Currently, Ervin is working on narrowing his list of schools for a decision soon. Although he hasn’t arranged any official visits yet, he plans to take unofficial visits to Florida State on January 11 and to Florida later this month.
With the offseason ahead, Kentucky aims to improve for the 2025 season, attract elite recruits, and achieve another top-25 recruiting class under Mark Stoops and his coaching staff.
