Kentucky’s fall camp is off and running. Before the Cats officially begin the 2025 season, KSR is taking a closer look at the roster and analyzing each position group. Personnel, storylines, questions, and one bold prediction will be included.
Next up is a position with very high expectations in 2025.
Position Preview: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, EDGE, Linebacker
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Expected Starters
JQ Hardaway (6-3, 193, Sr.)
The former Cincinnati transfer is now in year three at Kentucky and is coming off a career year where he set career highs in snaps (621), starts (12), tackles (47), pass breakups (four), and interceptions (two). Hardaway enters the season as one of Kentucky’s most proven players on defense.
The former four-star recruit has a very good chance to become this program’s next draft pick at cornerback. An All-SEC season could be on the way if the ball production hits another level.
DJ Waller Jr. (6-3, 203, Jr.)
Expectations were high for the Michigan transfer in 2024, but injuries and unsteady play led to a rocky first year in the Bluegrass for Waller. The transfer played seven games (210 snaps) and made four starts but had issues defending the run and consistently making tackles. Kentucky will be looking for more consistent production from the big cornerback.
The Youngstown native looks like a prototypical zone cornerback. After a very good offseason, the former three-star recruit could be in position to have a breakthrough season.
Quay’sheed Scott (6-0, 196, So.)
The late-riser in the 2024 recruiting class played 51 defensive snaps as a true freshman and is primed for a bigger role in 2025. Scott spent time at outside cornerback and nickel last season. This a young player that could make a big splash for the defense.
Scott is expected to open the season as Kentucky’s starting nickel.
Kentucky’s Cornerback Room
Chris Collins is back for year five on staff and his second as the co-defensive coordinator at Kentucky. Since his arrival from Georgia State, Collins has helped produce three draft picks and could have some more in his position room this season.
Jantzen Dunn (6-0, 185, RSr.)
The former Ohio State transfer is now in year three in the Kentucky program. Dunn is a Bowling Green native who was another cornerback that missed extensive time with an injury last year. The veteran did not play in the final five games. Dunn is entering his final season of eligibility and gives the defense someone who can play snaps at nickel.
Nasir Addison (6-0, 204, Jr.)
The New Jersey native has appeared in 20 games over his first two seasons on campus but most of that action has been on special teams. Addison saw some playing time at cornerback for Kentucky in 2024 as injuries piled up at the position. Will most likely compete for snaps with the second unit.
Kevis Thomas (6-0, 181, Jr.)
The Maryland transfer played 80 snaps as a true freshman before playing 30-plus snaps in six Big Ten games for the Terps in 2024. Thomas entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining and landed at Kentucky. This former high three-star recruit is competing for a rotational spot at cornerback.
Terhyon Nichols (5-11, 198, So.)
Nichols was a blue-chip recruiting win for Kentucky in the 2024 high school cycle who made an immediate splash in year one. The Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow product played in eight games before missing the last three due to injury. The young defensive back finished the season with five pass breakups in 97 coverage snaps. Nichols opens the season as CB3.
Demarcus Gardner (6-0, 178, Fr.)
The three-star recruit finished his senior season at Cedartown (Ga.) High with 42 tackles, four interceptions, 630 yards from scrimmage, and 12 total touchdowns highlighted by three pick-sixes. Gardner has good length and produced consistent ball production during his prep career. Flipped from UCF to Kentucky.
Grant Grayton (6-3, 205, Fr.)
The late addition to Kentucky’s recruiting class from Minnesota. Recorded 45 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and one interception as a seniors. Owns the play traits to be a productive cornerback in a zone-heavy scheme due to size and length for the position. Likely redshirt candidate.
Andrew Purcell (5-10, 193, Fr.)
Four-star prospect who won Alabama state high jump championship as a junior. Recorded 11 total interceptions as a junior and senior. Clemson, Georgia, Miami, and Florida all recruited Purcell. A bit undersized for the position but was a clear playmaker in high school.
Big Question: How good can JQ Hardaway be?
Kentucky has lost some real star power at starting cornerback over the last few seasons. Carrington Valentine became a seventh-round pick and is making plays for the Green Bay Packers. Keidron Smith is still on an NFL roster. Andru Phillips had an excellent debut season with the New York Giants. Maxwell Hairston became a first-round pick who is being featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
Is JQ Hardaway next up in this pipeline?
After a rocky first year in Lexington, the former four-star recruit became one of the defense’s most consistent players in 2024. Is Hardaway as good as those pros before him? That is something we could learn when the season begins.
Top Storyline: Kentucky is big at cornerback again
Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White keep saying positive things about this secondary. The Wildcats seem to believe that this group could be a real strength for the team this season.
The physical size at cornerback is likely a big reason why.
Kentucky is super long again at corner and this has been a physical trait that has worked well in this defense’s zone-heavy approach in the past. It is easier to clog passing lanes and help out in run support if you have big corners. UK has that in 2025.
If JQ Hardaway and DJ Waller Jr. combined to give this program some strong cornerback play it could make things easier for the rest of the defense.
Bold Prediction: JQ Hardaway is selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
Kentucky keeps producing pros at cornerback. The same will happen this season. JQ Hardaway will be the next player to hear his name called.
The former four-star recruit becomes a second-year starter, is in the conversation for All-SEC honors, and makes his fair share of plays in coverage for Kentucky this season. That ends with the defensive back becoming a pick on draft weekend.
Kentucky’s run in the NFL Draft will continue at cornerback.