Mark Stoops Focused on Elite In-State Talent as Kentucky Makes Strong Push for Tay Kinney and Jordan Smith Commitments

Mark Stoops Focused on Elite In-State Talent as Kentucky Makes Strong Push for Tay Kinney and Jordan Smith Commitments

Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats are turning up the heat on the recruiting trail, and two of the biggest names on their radar are right in their own backyard. Defensive lineman Tay Kinney and wide receiver Jordan Smith—two of the most highly touted prospects in the state of Kentucky for the class of 2026—have become top priorities for the Wildcats as they look to solidify a class that could reshape the program’s trajectory. Both players represent not only exceptional athleticism and skill but also the kind of homegrown talent that Stoops has consistently tried to keep within state borders.

For Kentucky, the 2026 recruiting cycle is about more than just bringing in top talent; it’s about establishing long-term momentum. In the Southeastern Conference, you don’t survive without stacking blue-chip classes, and the Wildcats know this better than anyone. That’s why Kinney and Smith aren’t just wants—they’re absolute needs for a team trying to climb out of the middle-tier of the SEC and into consistent Top 25 contention.

Tay Kinney, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive lineman from Lexington, has quickly become one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. He’s already received offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan, and he’s only going into his junior season. Kinney is a rare blend of size, quickness, and power. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and violent hand usage make him a constant disruption in the backfield. Kentucky was one of the first Power Five programs to offer him, and that early faith could pay dividends.

From all indications, Kinney is seriously considering Kentucky. He’s visited campus multiple times, including for spring practices and summer recruiting events, and he’s built a solid rapport with defensive line coach Anwar Stewart. That relationship could prove critical, especially as SEC powerhouses circle with national attention. The Wildcats are selling him on the idea of being the face of Kentucky football—an in-state hero who stays home and changes the narrative. For Kinney, the appeal of playing in front of friends and family while contributing to a rising program is real. Still, the Wildcats have their work cut out. Programs like Ohio State and LSU have recently increased their pursuit, and Kinney will undoubtedly be taking multiple visits before making any final decision.

Equally vital is the recruitment of Jordan Smith, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound wideout from Louisville who is quickly establishing himself as one of the best pass-catchers in the 2026 class. Smith has elite separation ability, soft hands, and top-tier route-running instincts. He’s been dominant in 7-on-7 circuits and camp performances throughout the summer and has caught the attention of schools from coast to coast. Like Kinney, he has a Kentucky offer, and the Wildcats are doing everything they can to make sure he knows he’s a top priority.

Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has taken a personal interest in Smith’s recruitment, frequently keeping in contact with the rising junior and attending events where he performs. The pitch to Smith has centered on his immediate impact potential and the Wildcats’ commitment to elevating the passing game. With young quarterback Cutter Boley already committed to the 2025 class, Kentucky is looking to build a receiver room capable of keeping pace with the SEC’s high-flying offenses. Smith fits that mold perfectly.

Smith, for his part, seems intrigued. He’s been vocal about his respect for what Kentucky is building and has praised the coaching staff’s transparency and consistency in communication. He’s also close with several current players and commits, including Boley, which could help sway his decision. However, programs like Penn State, Notre Dame, and Tennessee have begun to turn up the pressure, hoping to lure the standout away from his home state.

Kentucky’s strategy for both Kinney and Smith is straightforward—recruit them like national five-stars, not just in-state kids. That means frequent visits, one-on-one time with Stoops, early opportunities for playing time, and the full weight of the program’s NIL structure. In today’s recruiting world, NIL can be a game-changer, and Kentucky has made strides in this area. Through collectives and strategic partnerships, the Wildcats are offering competitive packages that allow top-tier athletes to profit from their brand while staying home.

In-state recruiting has always been critical for Kentucky, and Stoops knows how damaging it can be when elite local talent goes elsewhere. In past years, the Wildcats have seen top players like Rondale Moore and Wandale Robinson initially commit to out-of-state schools before eventually finding their way back. With the recruitment of Kinney and Smith, the goal is to avoid that detour entirely—to build trust early, win battles now, and keep the pipeline flowing straight into Lexington.

This philosophy is part of a broader trend under Stoops, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to dominate the state of Kentucky before branching out nationally. And with both Kinney and Smith currently within the state lines and within the top 150 players nationally, the message to the fanbase and recruits alike is clear: the Wildcats are all-in.

The timing is critical. With conference realignment, new playoff formats, and escalating competition across the SEC, programs that can’t consistently land top-tier talent are going to fall behind. Kentucky understands that its margin for error is slim, and that means making sure prospects like Kinney and Smith don’t slip away. These are cornerstone players—recruits who can become the faces of a class and leaders in the locker room.

Both Kinney and Smith have indicated they’ll take their time with the decision-making process. Neither seems in a rush to commit early, preferring to see how the fall season goes and take more visits before narrowing down options. For Kentucky, that means staying engaged week to week, continuing to show up at games, and making them feel like priorities every step of the way.

It’s also a moment for Kentucky fans to get involved. Recruits notice the energy around a program, whether it’s in person, on social media, or through fan support. The Wildcats’ faithful have been some of the most passionate in the SEC, and their backing can play a role in convincing these young stars to stay home and represent their state.

The Wildcats are in a strong position, but they must finish the job. Kinney and Smith are the types of recruits who can define an era. They can help Kentucky transition from a gritty, developmental program into a legitimate SEC contender. Stoops knows it. The staff knows it. And now, it’s about closing.

So, what happens next? Fall visits, in-home visits, continued evaluations, and the ever-changing dynamics of NIL will all play a role. But if Kentucky plays its cards right, 2026 could go down as the class that changed everything, with Tay Kinney and Jordan Smith as its beating heart.

It’s not just about adding stars to a recruiting board—it’s about rewriting the program’s story. For a team that’s long been viewed as an underdog in a loaded SEC, landing two of the nation’s best right in its own backyard would be a statement. One that says Kentucky football isn’t just here to compete—it’s here to win.