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Kentucky's Will Stein Targets Transfers Amid Roster Shakeup

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The transfer portal opened at midnight.
Kentucky coach Will Stein is building his roster.
Stein is fresh from coaching Oregon in the Orange Bowl and targets the offensive line after five departures.
Kentucky faces departures including the Smith Twins.
Josh Hoover from TCU is a transfer target for Indiana, Louisville, and Kentucky, though Kentucky's pursuit should be tempered.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA introduced the transfer portal in 2018, allowing athletes to switch schools more freely, which has increased roster turnover. This shift reflects ongoing changes in college sports, where financial dynamics and athlete compensation have evolved significantly, especially after the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling against NCAA restrictions on education-related benefits, marking a pivotal moment in the landscape of collegiate athletics.

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Story summary

The transfer portal opened at midnight.
Kentucky coach Will Stein is building his roster.
Stein is fresh from coaching Oregon in the Orange Bowl and targets the offensive line after five departures.
Kentucky faces departures including the Smith Twins.
Josh Hoover from TCU is a transfer target for Indiana, Louisville, and Kentucky, though Kentucky's pursuit should be tempered.

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