Kentucky Football is continuing its aggressive overhaul of the roster through the transfer portal, landing a major addition up front with the commitment of former Alabama offensive lineman. The Wildcats are clearly prioritizing size, depth, and long term development in the trenches, and Olaus Alinen fits that vision perfectly.
According to On3 reporter Pete Nakos, Olaus Alinenhas officially signed with Kentucky after taking visits to both Lexington and Auburn while exploring his transfer options. He brings two seasons of eligibility with him, giving the Wildcats flexibility as they shape their offensive line for the future.
Alinen’s football background is deeply rooted in the sport. He was born in Pori, Finland, and is the son of Klaus Alinen, who played professionally in NFL Europe and later spent time on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Before his junior year of high school, the Alinen family relocated to the United States, where Olaus attended a prep school in Connecticut and quickly emerged as a national recruiting target.
Standing 6 foot 6 and weighing 322 pounds, Alinen was regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2023 recruiting class. He earned a four star rating, ranked 167th nationally, placed among the top offensive tackles in the country, and finished as the top player in Connecticut. His recruitment featured heavy interest from powerhouse programs, and he ultimately chose Alabama over Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, and Oregon.
Alinen redshirted during his first season with the Crimson Tide and spent the following two years contributing mostly on special teams while developing as a reserve lineman. Although his game experience is limited, Kentucky is banking on his elite physical traits, high level coaching background, and familiarity with SEC competition. The Wildcats believe he has the potential to grow into an important piece of their offensive line as they continue to rebuild the foundation up front.