In a recruiting cycle already filled with surprises and power plays, the Kentucky Wildcats have delivered a seismic jolt to the college football world. In a move that few saw coming, the No. 10 ranked four-star quarterback in the 2025 class, Treyvon Roth, announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky, turning down late pushes from traditional powers like UCLA and Oklahoma State.
With the announcement, head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan have sent a clear message: Kentucky football is not just surviving in the SEC—it’s growing, evolving, and now, winning pivotal recruiting battles against programs with deeper national footprints.
The Announcement Heard Around the Country
Treyvon Roth made his announcement via a nationally televised commitment ceremony in his hometown of Cedar Hill, Texas. Surrounded by family, coaches, and friends, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound quarterback pulled out a blue Kentucky cap and declared, “I’m taking my talents to Lexington. Go Big Blue!”
The room erupted in surprise and excitement, but the national reaction was even more intense. Analysts had projected Roth to either UCLA—who pitched him the opportunity to be the face of their move to the Big Ten—or Oklahoma State, where his father had once played wide receiver. Yet Roth emphasized relationships, trust, and fit in his decision.
“Kentucky believed in me before the rankings, before the buzz,” Roth said. “They came to my games, called me daily, and treated me like I was already a Wildcat. Coach Stoops and Coach Hamdan built that bond from day one.”
What This Means for Kentucky
This commitment is nothing short of transformational. Roth is the highest-ranked quarterback to commit to Kentucky since Tim Couch—the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. While Kentucky has had recent success developing quarterbacks like Will Levis into NFL talent, Roth brings a different kind of polish and swagger that could elevate the program’s offensive ceiling.
Roth is a dual-threat quarterback with a lightning-quick release, excellent pocket presence, and an innate ability to improvise under pressure. His junior year stats are jaw-dropping: 3,426 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 813 rushing yards, and 11 rushing TDs. He led Cedar Hill to a 12-1 record and was named District MVP.
Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s system—which is based on quick reads, high-tempo concepts, and designed quarterback movement—fits Roth’s style like a glove. Unlike past Kentucky offenses that relied on ground-and-pound, Roth represents a shift toward modern, high-octane attacks that can keep up with SEC bluebloods like Georgia and Alabama.
Snubbing the Powerhouses
The shockwaves from Roth’s decision are not just about where he’s going—but who he turned down.
UCLA Bruins
Under head coach Chip Kelly’s replacement DeShaun Foster, UCLA had made Roth their top target for months. With the Bruins transitioning into the Big Ten, Roth was viewed as a centerpiece of their future identity. Foster reportedly visited Roth four times in the spring alone and had the quarterback on an official visit in late April, where he toured the Rose Bowl, met with academic advisors, and even participated in film study with Bruins offensive staff.
Yet, despite the glitz and L.A. allure, Roth wasn’t sold. “They showed love, but it didn’t feel like home,” he stated plainly.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys’ loss stings even more. Roth’s father, Kenny Roth, was a standout wide receiver in Stillwater during the late ‘90s, and the program was banking on that legacy connection. Head coach Mike Gundy pushed hard, offering Roth the chance to start early and continue the family tradition. Many insiders believed that Oklahoma State was the favorite entering the summer.
“I love and respect my dad’s alma mater,” Treyvon said. “But I wanted to make my own legacy. Kentucky gave me that chance.”
Recruiting Momentum in Lexington
Roth’s commitment does more than fill a roster need—it ignites momentum across Kentucky’s entire recruiting operation.
Within 24 hours of his decision, Roth was already on social media recruiting fellow four-star wideouts Julius Hightower (FL) and Ryan Dorsey (TN). Both players had already been in contact with Kentucky, but Roth’s addition may tip the scales. His charisma, leadership, and reputation as a “locker room general” give Kentucky a shot at building one of its strongest offensive recruiting classes in school history.
This commitment could also be a catalyst in keeping some in-state talent home. Kentucky’s 2025 class already features high-upside WR Tyshawn Nelson (Louisville, KY) and TE Marcus Givens (Bowling Green, KY). Adding Roth into the fold creates a more compelling case for them to stick with the Wildcats over SEC rivals and Big Ten invaders.
How Did Kentucky Win?
The Wildcats pulled off this coup with a blend of relentless recruiting, strategic timing, and a revamped coaching approach.
Since bringing in Hamdan as OC, Stoops has made clear the program’s offensive identity would become more quarterback-friendly. Gone are the days of limited playbooks and run-heavy schemes. In their place: tempo, creativity, and quarterback empowerment.
Roth mentioned Hamdan’s Zoom sessions, playbook breakdowns, and personalized visits as instrumental. “They didn’t just sell me on playing. They sold me on leading,” Roth said. “Coach Hamdan broke down film with me. We talked about pre-snap reads, defensive disguises, red zone situational play calling. They treated me like a student of the game, not just an athlete.”
Kentucky also smartly scheduled Roth’s official visit during its spring game weekend, allowing him to see Big Blue Nation in full force. Sources close to the program say Roth was blown away by the atmosphere and the attention he received from both players and fans.
The SEC Implications
This commitment will have ripple effects throughout the SEC. Programs like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri—who were also loosely in the Roth sweepstakes—will now need to recalibrate. More importantly, it signals that Kentucky is no longer content being a middle-tier program content with the occasional 8-win season.
Landing a national QB talent puts Kentucky in position to compete not just for bowl eligibility, but for divisional titles. Though the SEC is eliminating divisions in 2025, the road to the SEC Championship Game will still go through the South’s elite. With Roth under center and a maturing roster, the Wildcats could surprise pundits sooner than expected.
What’s Next for Roth?
Roth plans to enroll early at Kentucky in January 2026. Until then, he has unfinished business at Cedar Hill. His goals include a Texas 6A state championship and breaking the school record for total touchdowns.
“I want to win it all before I leave,” he said. “But I’m already locked in on Kentucky. I’m studying the playbook, watching film, and talking to the staff every day.”
He will also participate in the Elite 11 quarterback competition this summer, where he’ll square off against other top QBs like Dylan Rainey (USC commit) and Marcus Vick Jr. (uncommitted). A strong showing there could elevate him into five-star territory—especially if he continues his upward trend from the past two seasons.
Final Thoughts
Treyvon Roth’s commitment to Kentucky is more than just a win—it’s a declaration. For decades, Kentucky football has lived in the shadow of its basketball counterpart. But with Stoops continuing to raise the bar, Roth might be the player who finally flips the script.
This was a recruitment where NIL wasn’t the primary factor. Flashy facilities weren’t enough. And bloodlines didn’t dictate the outcome. This was about vision, connection, and trust. It was about a program that took the long road to relevance earning its reward by doing the work.
Treyvon Roth chose Kentucky. The college football world better pay attention—because Big Blue just got a whole lot bolder.