The recruiting trail is heating up, and one name that continues to stir excitement in the Bluegrass is SirPaul Cheeks—a dynamic, four-star running back who’s been on Kentucky’s radar for months. Now, with his commitment date drawing near, all eyes are on where the elusive playmaker will choose to land. For Kentucky football fans, the anticipation is real, the stakes are high, and the buzz is undeniable.
SirPaul Cheeks isn’t just another highly ranked back in a loaded 2025 class. He’s a difference-maker. A 5-foot-11, 205-pound weapon out of Georgia, Cheeks blends explosive acceleration with punishing physicality and remarkable vision. His junior season stats back that up—racking up over 1,800 yards on the ground and 24 touchdowns, Cheeks has proven to be a workhorse capable of taking over games. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a real threat of it ending in the end zone. And that’s exactly what Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has been envisioning: a back who can dominate between the tackles while breaking off chunk plays on the perimeter.
Cheeks is expected to announce his decision in just a few short weeks, and Kentucky is firmly in the mix. Alongside programs like South Carolina, Florida State, and Tennessee, the Wildcats have made a strong impression not only on the field but in the hearts of Cheeks and his inner circle. Over the past few months, Kentucky’s staff—led by running backs coach Jay Boulware—has gone all-in on making Cheeks feel like a priority. And it’s paid off. Multiple visits to Lexington have only reinforced the bond, with Cheeks speaking glowingly about the program’s energy, direction, and authenticity.
“The vibe at Kentucky is just different,” Cheeks recently said during an interview. “It’s real. It’s not just about football—it’s about family and developing as a man.”
Those words carry weight, especially at a time when NIL offers and flashy recruiting pitches dominate the landscape. For a player like Cheeks, whose parents have emphasized character, education, and structure throughout his development, Kentucky’s culture-first approach has stood out. Mark Stoops and his staff haven’t just focused on what Cheeks can do for the program—they’ve zeroed in on how they can help him grow both on and off the field.
Still, Kentucky isn’t the only program pulling out all the stops. South Carolina, long considered a strong contender, has pitched Cheeks on being the feature back in a backfield that could use a spark. Shane Beamer’s program has also leaned into the SEC recruiting pitch, promising Cheeks the chance to go up against the best in the country week in and week out.
Meanwhile, Florida State, with its rich running back legacy, has made a late but aggressive push. The Seminoles are banking on tradition and recent success to lure Cheeks to Tallahassee. And don’t sleep on Tennessee. Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense is tailor-made for explosive backs who can thrive in space, and the Vols believe Cheeks could be a perfect fit.
But it’s Kentucky that may offer the most complete package. Beyond scheme and depth chart opportunities, Cheeks sees a path to early playing time and immediate impact. With Ray Davis off to the NFL and the running back room in a state of transition, the Wildcats have a glaring opportunity for a freshman to step in and contribute right away. Cheeks knows it. The staff knows it. And Kentucky fans are beginning to dream about what he could do in the SEC with a blue and white jersey on his back.
In recent weeks, the social media activity surrounding Cheeks has exploded. Kentucky fans, ever hopeful and increasingly vocal, have flooded timelines with edits, fan-made graphics, and messages urging him to come to Lexington. The Big Blue Nation has a way of rallying around recruits, and Cheeks has certainly felt that love.
“It’s crazy. I see the messages, the tags, the edits. Big Blue Nation is different,” Cheeks said with a smile. “They show out.”
Recruiting analysts remain cautiously optimistic about Kentucky’s chances. Steve Wiltfong, 247Sports’ Director of Recruiting, recently moved his Crystal Ball prediction in Kentucky’s direction, citing growing momentum and positive signals from Cheeks’ camp. Others believe the race is neck-and-neck, with official visits playing a key role in his final decision.
And that’s the wild card. Cheeks has taken multiple visits over the spring and early summer, with one final round of official visits wrapping up just last week. Kentucky’s official reportedly “knocked it out of the park,” according to sources close to the family. Between the facility tours, one-on-one meetings with coaches, and even a sit-down with university leaders on academics and NIL opportunities, the visit hit every major mark.
“It felt like home,” a source close to Cheeks said. “You could tell he was comfortable. There was no pretense. Just people who genuinely care about his future.”
Cheeks isn’t a recruit who’s dragging out the process for drama or attention. He’s methodical, deliberate, and very clear on what he’s looking for—fit, trust, and impact. That’s why this upcoming decision feels so pivotal. For Kentucky, landing Cheeks would be a major recruiting victory, further signaling that Stoops and his staff can win head-to-head battles with fellow SEC heavyweights.
It would also reinforce a growing trend: elite talent believing in Kentucky’s vision. Over the past few recruiting cycles, the Wildcats have landed high-impact players at premium positions, from quarterbacks to defensive backs to edge rushers. Adding a top-tier running back like Cheeks would fill a vital need and raise the program’s ceiling even higher.
And let’s not forget the bigger picture. As college football continues to evolve—realignment, NIL, transfer portals—programs that stay grounded in relationships and authentic culture are gaining an edge. Kentucky, for all its growing flash and production, has remained true to its core: development, toughness, and a player-first environment. That resonates, especially with families like Cheeks’.
In the days ahead, expect even more buzz as Cheeks narrows things down and goes public with his final list. The timeline is tightening, and the whispers are turning into chatter. But no matter where SirPaul Cheeks lands, one thing is certain: the college football world will be watching.
If he chooses Kentucky, it will be a defining moment for the program. Not just because of who he is, but because of what he represents—a continued rise in national relevance, a testament to the staff’s recruiting chops, and a glimpse of a future where Kentucky doesn’t just compete in the SEC… it contends.
For now, the countdown continues. SirPaul Cheeks has the college football world on the edge of its seat. His next move could shift the recruiting landscape, elevate a program’s outlook, and make a fan base erupt in celebration. For Kentucky, the hope is simple: that when the dust settles, Cheeks is wearing blue and ready to run wild in the SEC.
Tick tock.
