Spring practice is always a time of excitement for college football fans, as it offers the first glimpses of how teams are shaping up ahead of the upcoming season. For the Kentucky Wildcats, 2025’s spring session was highly anticipated, given the changes made in the offseason, including key roster changes, new recruits, and adjustments to the coaching staff. Kentucky’s football program, under the leadership of Mark Stoops, has made significant strides in recent years, but after a mixed 2024 season, this spring was crucial in determining whether they could take the next step toward SEC and national contention.
On a crisp spring day, the Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) crew was granted a first look at this new-look Wildcats squad, and what they saw provided plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. From the highly contested quarterback battle to the revamped offensive line, Kentucky’s spring practice revealed exciting developments and promising potential. Here’s what we learned from KSR’s exclusive look at the team.
1. The Quarterback Battle: Devin Leary Holds Strong, Kaiya Sheron Pushing Hard
Arguably the most important storyline surrounding Kentucky football in the spring of 2025 is the quarterback competition. With Will Levis departing for the NFL and Devin Leary transferring in from North Carolina State, fans were eager to see how the veteran Leary would perform in the Wildcats’ offense. However, Kaiya Sheron, a redshirt sophomore, also entered the spring with something to prove after a limited but promising showing in the 2024 season. Would Leary be the clear frontrunner, or could Sheron push for the starting role?
From KSR’s perspective, Devin Leary has been the more polished quarterback thus far. His experience and leadership are evident. Leary’s ability to read defenses, quickly process information, and make accurate throws has been on full display. Whether in 7-on-7 drills or full-team scrimmages, Leary’s passing accuracy and decision-making stood out. His deep ball, in particular, looked sharp, with the ability to hit Barion Brown and Tayvion Robinson on long routes down the field. Leary has quickly built chemistry with his receivers, and his experience in high-pressure games should serve him well in the SEC.
While Leary remains the favorite to be the starting quarterback, Kaiya Sheron has not been shy about making his case. Sheron’s mobility has been a major asset during the spring practice. The sophomore’s ability to extend plays with his legs was evident, and he showed flashes of making throws on the run while avoiding pressure. However, Sheron still has work to do in terms of consistency with his deep ball accuracy and touch on passes in tight windows. If Sheron continues to develop, he could be a valuable backup or potentially push for a starting role if needed.
Overall, while Leary holds a clear edge for now, Sheron’s development in the coming months will be something to keep an eye on.
2. Offensive Line: Still a Work in Progress but Showing Promise
The offensive line has been a long-standing concern for Kentucky football, and spring practice was another opportunity to see how the unit was shaping up. After struggles in pass protection and some inconsistency in the running game during the 2024 season, there was hope that Kentucky would improve up front in 2025.
At KSR’s first look at practice, the offensive line was a mixed bag. On the positive side, Jeremy Flax is back as the starting right tackle, and his experience and physicality were evident during drills. Flax’s ability to anchor in pass protection and open up running lanes for Kentucky’s backs is a huge asset. He’s expected to be a cornerstone of the unit, and his leadership will be critical as the Wildcats look to improve their line play.
The left side of the offensive line, however, is still a work in progress. Tashawn Manning, who transferred from Auburn, was lining up as the starting left guard, and his physicality stood out. Manning was an improvement over the players that manned the left guard spot in 2024, bringing an aggressive mindset to the line. Kenneth Horsey, who was expected to be the starting left tackle, was rotating in practice as the first-team left tackle but seemed to struggle with consistency in both run and pass blocking. Kentucky will need to continue developing its left tackle situation throughout spring practice and into the fall.
The biggest concern, however, remains the depth on the offensive line. Behind the starters, the Wildcats lack experienced players who can step up in case of injury or underperformance. Jager Burton, a highly touted recruit, has shown promise during the spring, but the young linemen still need to show they can contribute when needed.
Overall, while Kentucky’s starting offensive line looks capable, its depth is still a concern. If the Wildcats are to have success in 2025, improving this unit will be crucial.
3. Wide Receiver Group: Playmaking Potential
The wide receiver position has been an area of growth for Kentucky over the past few years, and after losing Wan’Dale Robinson to the NFL draft, the Wildcats needed to find new playmakers. During the first spring practice observed by KSR, it was clear that the Wildcats have some exciting options in the passing game, especially with the emergence of Barion Brown and Tayvion Robinson.
Barion Brown, a dynamic sophomore, is the player to watch. His speed and playmaking ability were on full display in spring practice. Brown is not only a deep-threat weapon but also a versatile receiver capable of running a full route tree. He has worked hard on his hands and route-running technique, and it’s paying off. In drills and scrimmages, Brown was consistently able to get open, using his blazing speed to create separation. If Devin Leary can build on their developing chemistry, the duo could become a nightmare for SEC defenses.
Tayvion Robinson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, is another key weapon in the passing game. Robinson brings veteran experience and a refined skill set, and he looks to be the perfect complement to Brown’s explosiveness. While Robinson may not have the same top-end speed as Brown, his ability to make contested catches and work the middle of the field will be valuable for Kentucky’s offense. If he can stay healthy, Robinson has the potential to be a reliable target in critical moments.
Beyond Brown and Robinson, Izayah Cummings and Dekel Crowdus have also shown promise, providing solid depth in the receiving corps. Cummings has the size and physicality to be a red-zone target, and Crowdus possesses speed and athleticism, making him an intriguing option for the Wildcats’ passing attack. The emergence of these players gives Kentucky a balanced and deep receiving group, something they’ve been lacking in past seasons.
4. Defensive Front: Physicality and Depth
On the defensive side of the ball, Kentucky has long been known for its aggressive and physical play, and the spring practice confirmed that the Wildcats have the talent and depth to continue that tradition in 2025. The front seven, in particular, has been impressive, with players like J.J. Weaver and Tre’Vonn Rybka leading the charge.
J.J. Weaver, a star linebacker, is expected to be a key leader on defense. Weaver’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability were on full display, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be a major asset for Kentucky. Alongside him, Tre’Vonn Rybka, another standout linebacker, has developed into a more complete player. His coverage skills have noticeably improved, allowing Kentucky to use him in a variety of defensive schemes.
The defensive line, anchored by Keeshawn Silver, is another strength of Kentucky’s defense. Silver has the size and explosiveness to generate pressure on the quarterback, and with Deondre Buford and Maxwell Clark providing depth on the edge, the Wildcats should be able to create havoc in the backfield.
In the secondary, Keidron Smith and Andru Phillips will play key roles. Smith’s ability to cover ground and make tackles in the open field will be vital in Kentucky’s coverage schemes. Phillips is an up-and-coming player who has the potential to develop into a shutdown corner. The Wildcats have solid depth in the secondary, and if the defensive line continues to create pressure, the secondary should thrive.
5. Special Teams: Stability and Continuity
While special teams aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind when evaluating a team, Kentucky’s unit looks to be stable heading into 2025. Matt Ruffolo, who has been a steady kicker for the Wildcats, looks poised to continue his role as the team’s primary kicker. He’s been consistent in spring practices, and his reliability in clutch situations will be crucial for Kentucky’s success this season.
In the return game, Barion Brown and Tayvion Robinson have both been fielding kicks, and their dynamic playmaking ability could provide Kentucky with excellent field position and potential big plays. With their speed and vision, both Brown and Robinson could be game-changers in special teams.
A Promising Start for the Wildcats
KSR’s first look at the Kentucky Wildcats at spring practice provided plenty of reasons for optimism. The team is clearly taking positive steps forward in multiple areas, from quarterback play and wide receiver depth to defensive physicality and special teams stability. The development of Devin Leary at quarterback, the emergence of Barion Brown as a star wide receiver, and the continued dominance of the Wildcats’ defense all bode well for the future of Kentucky football.
While there are still some areas of concern, particularly on the offensive line and with quarterback depth, the Wildcats have the pieces in place to be competitive in the SEC and make a push for a higher bowl game in 2025. With Mark Stoops at the helm and a talented roster taking shape, Kentucky football is poised for another strong season, and spring practice has laid a solid foundation for the Wildcats’ success. Fans can expect a more dynamic and well-rounded team this fall, and the excitement surrounding Kentucky football has never been higher.