Kentucky continues to stay active in the Transfer Portal as the program reshapes its roster under new leadership, and the Wildcats have added another versatile piece to the mix. On Friday, former Pittsburgh wide receiver and defensive back announced on social media that he has officially signed with Kentucky.
He spent two seasons at Pitt, primarily contributing on the defensive side of the ball. During his time with the Panthers, he appeared in multiple games and finished with 11 total tackles, gaining experience at the ACC level while developing his versatility. His ability to play both wide receiver and defensive back adds flexibility to Kentucky’s depth chart as the staff evaluates how best to use his skill set moving forward.
Before arriving at Pittsburgh, Jesse Anderson was a three star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. According to the On3 Consensus, he was ranked as the No. 1,011 overall player nationally, the No. 150 wide receiver in his class, and the No. 144 overall prospect from the state of Florida. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Anderson prepped at Cardinal Gibbons High School, a program known for producing college ready talent.
With his commitment, Anderson becomes the 14th Transfer Portal addition for Kentucky and head coach Will Stein. Stein, who was recently introduced as the Wildcats’ new head coach, has emphasized relationship building as a core part of his recruiting approach. While continuing to balance his responsibilities as Oregon’s offensive coordinator during the College Football Playoff, Stein outlined that philosophy during his introductory press conference.
“Guys still want to be recruited old school,” Stein said. “You have to know mom, grandma, aunt, coach. You have to be completely entrenched in these people’s lives. When you can do that, you don’t always have to be the highest bidder. If the first conversation is about money, probably not the place for you. Not because lack of it. We have plenty of that here.
“I talked to about 10,000 people at the basketball game, all willing and supportive of the program. I know we have that. But that can’t be the first thing you talk about. I want guys that love football, that want to compete every single day, be the best version of themselves and win.”
Kentucky’s Transfer Portal additions now include:
RS So OT Olaus Alinen, Alabama
RS So DB Jesse Anderson, Pittsburgh
RS Fr OL Max Anderson, Tennessee
Sr RB Jovantae Barnes, Oklahoma
So EDGE Ahmad Breaux, LSU
Jr S Jordan Castell, Florida
So WR Xavier Daisy, UAB
RS So CB Aaron Gates, Florida
RS So DL Jamarrion Harkless, Purdue
RS So QB Kenny Minchey, Notre Dame
RS Sr EDGE Antonio O’Berry, Gardner Webb
RS Jr OL Coleton Price, Baylor
Fr CB Hasaan Sykes, Western Carolina
Fr LB Tavion Wallace, Arkansas