Spring practice is always an exciting time for college football fans. It offers the first glimpses of what’s to come, showcasing new talent, fresh schemes, and a team’s potential for the upcoming season. For University of Kentucky football, 2025’s open practice proved to be a highly anticipated event, full of notable storylines and developments. With high hopes for a bounce-back season after some disappointing results in recent years, Kentucky fans were eager to see how the Wildcats were progressing under head coach Mark Stoops.
During the open practice, fans, coaches, and analysts alike were all treated to a series of revelations that offered deeper insights into how the team was shaping up. From the quarterback competition to the emergence of new leaders, Kentucky football’s spring session provided plenty of excitement and food for thought as the Wildcats look to return to SEC contention.
In this article, we will break down the most significant takeaways from Kentucky’s open practice, exploring both the new developments and the familiar faces who are poised to make an impact this season.
1. Quarterback Battle: Devin Leary vs. Kaiya Sheron
One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season for Kentucky football was the quarterback situation. The Wildcats have struggled with quarterback consistency in recent years, but there was hope that the competition this spring would settle the issue. The open practice gave fans and analysts the first real look at the battle between Devin Leary, the highly touted transfer from North Carolina State, and Kaiya Sheron, a promising returner who has been with the team for a few seasons.
Devin Leary’s Poise and Arm Strength
Leary, a seasoned quarterback with multiple years of starting experience, immediately showcased the type of playmaking ability that has earned him a spot as the likely starter heading into the season. Known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses, Leary appeared calm and in control throughout the practice. His passing was crisp, with deep ball accuracy being a standout feature of his performance. On multiple occasions, Leary showed an ability to push the ball downfield with precision, hitting wide receivers on seam routes and in the intermediate areas of the field. This was a welcomed sight for a Kentucky offense that has struggled in the passing game in recent years.
Perhaps most impressively, Leary demonstrated the ability to read defenses quickly and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. His communication with offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello was evident, and he seemed comfortable with the playbook. His deep understanding of the game suggests he will be a stable force under center for Kentucky in 2025, assuming he remains healthy and continues to develop chemistry with his receivers.
Kaiya Sheron’s Development and Mobility
On the other hand, Kaiya Sheron showed significant strides in his development. The redshirt sophomore, who has had some limited game action in the past, displayed his mobility and ability to extend plays outside the pocket. Sheron’s athleticism was on full display as he made several successful scrambles during the practice session, showcasing his ability to turn potential sacks into positive gains. However, his throwing accuracy and decision-making were a little inconsistent, especially on deep throws. Despite the accuracy concerns, Sheron’s upside and dual-threat potential make him an intriguing option moving forward.
The battle between Leary and Sheron is expected to continue through the spring and into fall camp, but based on what was seen at the open practice, Leary appears to have a firm grip on the starting job for now. However, Sheron’s development will be closely watched, and he could prove valuable as a backup or even in specialized packages designed to exploit his mobility.
2. Offensive Line: Still a Work in Progress
The offensive line has long been a focal point of Kentucky football, and that continued to be the case during the open practice. After a somewhat inconsistent performance from the offensive line in 2024, the Wildcats are focused on improving this critical unit. The line’s success will be paramount to the Wildcats’ offensive balance, especially with a strong running back group in place.
The Return of Jeremy Flax
One of the key players on the line, Jeremy Flax, returned for his senior season after a solid 2024 campaign. Flax, a towering figure on the offensive line, looked more polished in his second year as a starter. His footwork and ability to anchor against power rushers stood out during the open practice, especially in pass protection. Flax’s experience is vital for a Kentucky team that will rely on his leadership and physicality in both the running and passing games.
The Battle for Tackles and Guards
While Flax is a known commodity at tackle, there are still questions surrounding who will line up next to him. During the open practice, there was plenty of rotation at the tackle and guard spots. Tashawn Manning, who transferred from Auburn in 2024, was seen getting significant reps at left guard. Manning’s size and power are impressive, and he has the potential to provide a much-needed physical presence in the middle of the line. At right tackle, Darion Kinnard also looks to build on his solid contributions from last year.
One concern that still lingers is the depth on the offensive line. Injuries and the need for experience at the backup spots could be problematic down the road if starters go down. As a result, much of Kentucky’s offensive success will hinge on the development of younger linemen and whether they can step up when needed.
3. Wide Receiver Group: A Potential Strength
While the Wildcats have long been known for their strong running game, the passing game has lagged behind in recent years. However, the open practice revealed some promising developments in Kentucky’s wide receiver room, which has the potential to become a significant strength for the Wildcats in 2025.
The Emergence of Barion Brown
One of the most exciting storylines was the continued development of Barion Brown, a sophomore wide receiver who had flashes of brilliance in his freshman season. Brown showed impressive growth in both his route-running and ability to gain separation from defenders. His deep speed was on display multiple times during the open practice as he made a few impressive catches on go-routes, including one that went for a long touchdown.
Brown’s growth as a receiver makes him a primary weapon for the Wildcats’ offense this season. If Leary can develop chemistry with Brown, it could open up the Kentucky offense in ways it hasn’t been in previous seasons. Brown’s explosive playmaking ability gives Kentucky a dynamic option in the passing game, complementing their strong running attack.
Key Veteran Receivers
In addition to Brown, Izayah Cummings and Tayvion Robinson will be crucial to Kentucky’s passing game. Both receivers have experience, and their leadership will be important for the younger players. Cummings, who has been with the program for a few years, was a reliable target last season and will continue to be an essential part of the receiving corps. Robinson, known for his ability to make contested catches and work the middle of the field, could also be a key piece of Kentucky’s offense.
Together, these receivers will help Kentucky achieve better balance offensively and give Leary and Sheron the weapons they need to be successful.
4. Defense: Playing with Aggression
The Kentucky defense, under the leadership of Brad White, has been a strong point for the team in recent years, and spring practice showed that the Wildcats are continuing to evolve defensively. The Wildcats’ defense was aggressive throughout the practice, generating pressure on the quarterback and playing with physicality in the trenches.
Linebackers and Secondary Look Strong
The linebacker unit, which has been a strength for Kentucky in recent seasons, looks poised for another successful year. J.J. Weaver is one of the standout defenders, providing leadership and a pass-rush presence that opposing offenses have to account for. Alongside Weaver, Tre’Vonn Rybka and Jacquez Jones will play key roles in the defense’s success.
The secondary also looks promising. With players like Keidron Smith and Andru Phillips, Kentucky has the potential to create turnovers and lock down opposing receivers. The defensive backs showed solid coverage skills during the open practice, and they’ll be key to Kentucky’s success in a pass-heavy SEC.
5. Special Teams: Looking to Build on Solid Foundation
Kentucky’s special teams also looked sharp during the open practice. Matt Ruffolo, the veteran kicker, has been a reliable source of points over the past few seasons and looks poised to continue that trend. Additionally, the return game showed flashes of explosiveness, with players like Tayvion Robinson and Barion Brown working as potential return men.
If Kentucky can continue to make plays in special teams, it could be the difference-maker in close SEC games.