Underrated But Unforgettable: Kentucky’s Number 23 on Top 25 This Century Earned Respect Through Consistency and Big-Game Brilliance
When compiling a list of the top 25 Kentucky football players of the 21st century, it’s easy to focus on the flashiest names—NFL first-rounders, All-Americans, Heisman contenders, and household stars. But sometimes, greatness is found in dependability, in moments of clutch performance, in a steady presence that glues a unit together. At number 23 on this prestigious list is a player who may not have generated national headlines every Saturday but left a lasting mark on the Kentucky program through leadership, production, and heart. That player is Randall Cobb, a name that still resonates powerfully in Lexington, though his placement here is more focused on his earlier years and overall impact rather than only his eventual stardom.
Randall Cobb played for the Wildcats from 2008 to 2010, and while his college career was relatively brief, his influence was outsized. He was the ultimate Swiss Army knife on the field—lining up as a wide receiver, quarterback, kick returner, and even taking handoffs from the backfield. If there was a way to get the ball into his hands, Kentucky found it. Cobb became the focal point of the offense and a nightmare for opposing defenses, all while embodying the grit and perseverance that Kentucky fans admire most in their athletes.
When Cobb arrived in Lexington from Alcoa, Tennessee, he was not the five-star savior that many major programs chase. Rated as a three-star prospect, he was initially recruited as a quarterback but quickly showed an athletic versatility that demanded broader usage. Then-head coach Rich Brooks and offensive coordinator Joker Phillips realized they had a special talent on their hands. By his freshman year, Cobb was already a dynamic playmaker, rushing for touchdowns, catching passes, and even throwing for scores in Kentucky’s then-wildcat-heavy offense.
Cobb’s freshman campaign was a sign of things to come. He accounted for over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 total touchdowns, splitting time between quarterback and receiver. But it was in his sophomore and junior seasons that Cobb truly exploded onto the SEC and national scenes. He was a leader on and off the field, setting the tone for Kentucky’s offense and proving that one player, with enough heart and skill, could shift the entire dynamic of a game.
In 2009, Cobb tallied 1,883 all-purpose yards, including eight receiving touchdowns, ten rushing scores, and a punt return TD. His versatility made him indispensable. If Kentucky needed a crucial third-down conversion, Cobb was the target. If the passing game stalled, he could take a direct snap and change the game with his legs. Few players in the SEC—let alone Kentucky—had his multidimensional impact.
By 2010, Cobb had elevated his game to new heights. He amassed 1,017 receiving yards, scored 13 total touchdowns, and led the SEC in all-purpose yards with 2,396—second in the nation that year. He was a second-team All-American and a consensus All-SEC selection. More importantly, he gave Kentucky fans a legitimate superstar to rally behind during a time when the program was striving to find its identity within the daunting landscape of the SEC.
What made Cobb’s contributions even more valuable was how he did it—without a consistent supporting cast, without a high-powered system, and often under the radar of national media. He wasn’t buoyed by a dominant offensive line or surrounded by future first-round picks. His success was forged through pure effort, intelligence, and the ability to make something out of nothing. Whether returning a kick 70 yards to flip field position or hauling in a contested catch in triple coverage, Cobb brought electricity to Commonwealth Stadium every single time he touched the ball.
Cobb’s game-winning performances are etched in Kentucky lore. Against Auburn in 2009, he scored two touchdowns and helped lead Kentucky to a rare road upset in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Against South Carolina, he totaled three touchdowns and made the Gamecocks’ defense look foolish with his shiftiness and speed. Time after time, when the Wildcats needed a spark, Cobb delivered.
Beyond the stat lines and highlight reels, Cobb’s legacy is defined by his character and work ethic. He was a quiet leader but a determined one. His humility resonated with fans and teammates alike. He didn’t need to showboat or call attention to himself—his play did all the talking. And when the NFL came calling, Cobb had more than earned his shot. He was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, where he immediately became a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers and a mainstay in the Packers’ offense for nearly a decade.
But his NFL career, while spectacular, doesn’t factor into his No. 23 ranking on this list. This placement is about what he meant to Kentucky—what he meant to the university, the fanbase, and the program during his collegiate years. Cobb wasn’t just a great player; he was a symbol of what Kentucky football could become. He proved that a Kentucky player could be just as explosive, just as tough, and just as important as those at Alabama, Florida, or LSU.
There’s also something to be said about timing. Cobb’s rise came during a transitional period for Kentucky football. Rich Brooks had brought stability and respectability, but the program was still fighting for national relevance. In many ways, Cobb served as the bridge—between the steady success of the Brooks era and the growing expectations that would eventually lead to the Mark Stoops revolution. He helped raise the ceiling for what a Kentucky offense could look like. His versatility likely influenced recruiting strategy, offensive scheming, and the belief that elite talent could thrive in Lexington.
Cobb’s influence is still felt in the Kentucky locker room today. Young players who wear the blue and white have grown up watching his highlights. Coaches reference his work ethic and team-first attitude. His example is held up during team meetings as the gold standard for what a Kentucky Wildcat should be. In fact, in 2017, Cobb donated $100,000 to the Kentucky football program to support its new facilities and future development—another testament to how deeply connected he remains to the school and its mission.
So why is Randall Cobb only No. 23 on this list? That’s a fair question. While some may argue he deserves to be ranked higher, this placement reflects the remarkable depth of Kentucky football talent in the 21st century. The program has seen a surge of All-SEC and All-American players in recent years, many of whom played key roles in 10-win seasons and Citrus Bowl victories under Stoops. Players like Josh Allen, Benny Snell, and Will Levis will rank higher due to team accomplishments and postseason milestones.
Still, Cobb’s value transcends rankings. He was a one-man army, an all-purpose weapon, and a cultural touchstone for Kentucky football during a period when the program needed a hero. If anything, No. 23 on this list is a testament not to a lack of greatness—but to the quiet kind of greatness that inspires, uplifts, and stays with a fanbase long after the final whistle.
In a sport that often celebrates only the biggest names and brightest spotlights, Randall Cobb reminds us that the heart of a program is often found in the players who carried it when no one else could. His jersey may never hang from the rafters, but his impact is stitched into the fabric of Kentucky football history—forever.
