Will Stein, Kentucky putting together impressive 2027 recruiting class

Kentucky Wildcat head coach Will Stein. Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Will Stein, Kentucky putting together impressive 2027 recruiting class

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 8, 2026 11:35 PM ET

The Kentucky Wildcats know how to win on the basketball court. Kentucky's basketball program has eight championships under its belt.

It's not the same for football in Lexington, though. Mark Stoops kept the Wildcats competitive from 2013 to 2025, but the football program's only national championship came in 1950 under Bear Bryant.

That's a long time ago.

The powers that be at Kentucky brought in Will Stein to replace Stoops because they believe he can recruit a winner, though. Stein spent multiple years as the offensive coordinator under Dan Lanning with the Oregon Ducks. He also played quarterback at the college level himself — at Louisville, of all places.

Success at Kentucky in the NIL and transfer portal era will look a lot like success at Indiana, which just won it all. Stein will have to knock it out of the park on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal, and it's worth noting that he's building a class that looks really nice on the 2027 recruiting trail.

On Monday, three-star offensive lineman Reed Gerken committed to the Wildcats over Wisconsin, Virginia Tech and Illinois. He's the 22nd commitment to Stein's 2027 class.

There's still a long time to go, but it's a class that's currently ranked No. 10 in the country.

That's a huge deal for the Wildcats.

BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Reed Gerken has Committed to Kentucky, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’5 280 IOL chose the Wildcats over Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Illinois

“I’m home BBN”https://t.co/U0nYKpNlLr pic.twitter.com/zMgEknGGY1
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 8, 2026

Kentucky Wildcats building a strong 2027 recruiting class

Kentucky recruited Gerken hard. It makes sense, too. Guys who check in at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds as rising seniors in high school don't just grow on trees.

Gerken clearly believes in what Kentucky is building, though, and it has to do with more than just being flattered on the recruiting trail.

“Kentucky really checked all the boxes throughout my recruitment,” Gerken told Rivals. “They were so consistent whether it was checking up on me, coming to see me. They were always looking to take those relationships to the next level. I think having the chance to possibly play young in the SEC is extremely exciting and I believe in Coach Stein, Coach [Joe] Sloan and Coach Cutter [Leftwich] that UK will be back at the top.”

Stein and his staff have provided a sense of belief for the Wildcats. There wouldn't be over 20 players committed to the Kentucky class at this point of the cycle if that wasn't the case.

Can Kentucky finish the 2027 cycle strong? That's the big question.

Without a doubt, though, being in the top 10 at this point in the early summer is a good start.

Now, the Wildcats just have to stay aggressive and keep rolling. Early success on the field in the Stein era will be pivotal.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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