Kentucky is officially on the board in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and it didn’t take long for the new era to make its first statement. Will Stein has secured his first commitment as head coach, giving the Wildcats an early spark and some much needed momentum as the staff begins laying the foundation for the future.
Getting an early pledge is always significant, but this one carries even more weight. The Wildcats managed to keep one of the state’s top prospects at home, fending off competition from multiple Power Four programs. It’s the type of win that immediately signals direction, vision, and buy in, especially this early in a recruiting cycle.
That commitment comes from Brady Hull, a highly regarded offensive lineman out of Pulaski County High School in Kentucky. Hull chose the Wildcats over South Carolina and a deep list of other suitors that included Louisville, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Duke, Virginia, and several more. He is rated as a three star recruit by Rivals, ranking 59th nationally among interior offensive linemen in the 2027 class and standing as the 15th best prospect in the state.
Kentucky’s interest intensified quickly after Stein took over, with the new staff making him a clear priority on the trail. A recent Junior Day visit only strengthened that bond, as he connected with the coaching staff and got a closer look at how he fits into the program’s long term plans. On the field, he has already proven himself as a leader, playing a key role on a Pulaski County team that made a run to the 5A state championship game this past fall.
Speaking with KSR+’s Jacob Polacheck, Hull pointed to Kentucky’s culture and vision as major factors in his decision, while also highlighting the impact of new offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich. He praised Leftwich’s football IQ, energy, and ability to develop offensive linemen, noting that the Wildcats’ offensive system consistently puts players in position to grow and succeed. Hull added that Leftwich’s age and approachability made it easy to build trust and maintain open communication throughout the recruiting process.
Landing one of the top in state prospects is an ideal way for Stein and his staff to jump start the 2027 class. It not only provides an important early building block but also sends a clear message that Kentucky intends to protect its borders and build from the inside out moving forward.