Kentucky‘s best offensive lineman with 24 consecutive starts in Lexington has decided to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Will Stein a massive hole to fill on the Big Blue Wall ahead of his debut season coaching the Wildcats.
Jalen Farmer, who transferred to Kentucky following two seasons at Florida, announced he would be forgoing his remaining eligibility to turn pro.
“My college football journey has been shaped by faith, growth, and the people who believed in me at every step,” the 6-5, 318-pound guard wrote on social media on Wednesday. “I’m thankful for each chapter and the lessons that came with it. … To the University of Kentucky, thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to continue chasing my goals. Wearing Kentucky across my chest and competing for Big Blue Nation has been an honor. Coach Stoops, thank you for your trust, consistency, and commitment to helping me grow both as a player and as a person. I’m also thankful for the entire coaching staff, support staff, and my teammates for the work, unity, and memories we built together.
“… With much appreciation for everything that has brought me to this point and excitement for what’s ahead, I am declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”
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Farmer was the only anticipated returnee with over 50 snaps on the offensive line with Shiyazh Pete, Joshua Braun, Jager Burton and Alex Wollschlaeger all departing the program following the 2025 season. Stein will have to rely on jumps from some combination of Aba Selm, Evan Wibberley, Hayes Johnson, Darrin Strey, Malachi Wood, Jermiel Atkins, Jayden Clark, Jason Ekperuoh, Rob Fogler, Bryan Auguste and Cameron Jones among Wildcats with remaining eligibility.
UK also earned signatures from JUCO OL Jordan Knox and three-star tackle Cameron Miller in the class of 2026.
The reality of the situation, though, is that this loss is a massive one for Kentucky and Stein has his work cut out for him when the transfer portal opens in January. Eric Wolford, unsurprisingly, left the cupboard bare for Cutter Leftwich, who will be following Stein from Eugene as a former Oregon Duck to Lexington.