Kentucky’s offense offered very little in 2024, but Jamarion Wilcox stood out as one of the few positives. He ended the season with 590 rushing yards and an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. Despite that production, his limited playing time came with a bizarre explanation. As head coach Mark Stoops once suggested, Wilcox needed to “learn how to tie his shoes” before seeing the field more consistently.
Things unraveled further in 2025. Reports indicated Wilcox wasn’t responding to coaching the way the staff expected, and Kentucky added Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell, both of whom jumped him on the depth chart. Eventually, Wilcox disappeared from the rotation altogether—but football soon became the least of his concerns.
Just before the 2025 season, Wilcox faced serious legal trouble after allegations of sexual assault surfaced. A temporary restraining order was filed following an incident in the early morning hours of August 20, when a woman told police Wilcox entered her bedroom without consent while supposedly visiting her roommate. The full complaint has been made public.
Those allegations significantly complicate his future as he looks toward the transfer portal. Any potential program will have to weigh the legal situation before considering him, and with thousands of players already in the portal, many schools may choose to steer clear. While Wilcox is presumed innocent and the legal process is ongoing, the situation undeniably adds another layer of uncertainty.
Wilcox never appeared in a game for Kentucky in 2025 and will not play for the Wildcats moving forward. According to On3, he plans to enter the transfer portal after rushing for 590 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. Despite everything, his on-field talent is undeniable, as evidenced by what he showed when given opportunities in Lexington.