Kentucky’s transition into a new era under head coach Will Stein continues to take shape, and the Wildcats added another notable piece on Friday as they work to assemble Stein’s first roster in Lexington. The latest move brings in a physically gifted wide receiver with proven upside and SEC experience.
Kentucky signed wide receiver Nic Anderson, a move first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer. Anderson committed to the Wildcats shortly after entering the transfer portal from LSU on Wednesday, ending a brief stay in Baton Rouge. Zenitz noted earlier this week that Anderson decided to move on after just one season with the Tigers. During the 2025 campaign, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Texas native appeared in 10 games but had limited production, finishing with 12 receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the modest numbers at LSU, Anderson’s long-term potential is what drew Stein and the Kentucky staff. Before his stop in Baton Rouge, Anderson flashed star-level ability during his time at Oklahoma. He has 12 career touchdown receptions, with 10 of those coming in a breakout 2023 season that established him as one of the more dangerous red-zone targets in the Big 12 at the time.
Anderson spent his first three collegiate seasons with the Sooners, appearing in 17 games overall during that stretch. His best work came in 2023, when he stayed healthy and played in 13 games. That season, he caught 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his size, vertical ability, and big-play potential. While those numbers came before Oklahoma made the move to the SEC, they still demonstrated Anderson’s ability to perform at a high level against strong competition.
Health, however, has been the primary obstacle in Anderson’s career since that breakout year. A quad injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season at Oklahoma, ultimately leading to his decision to transfer. He joined LSU in 2025 hoping to recapture his previous form, but injuries again limited his impact and consistency.
Now, the former four-star recruit from the Class of 2022 is looking for a fresh start at Kentucky. Under Stein, widely regarded as one of college football’s brightest offensive minds after leaving Oregon for the Wildcats’ head coaching job, Anderson will aim to stay healthy and reestablish himself as a difference-maker in the SEC.