Kentucky Football is not finished reshaping its roster through the transfer portal, and its latest move shows a continued focus on building strength up front.
On Monday, On3 reported that the Wildcats added edge rusher Tyler Thomas, a transfer from South Alabama, giving head coach Will Stein’s staff another piece for a rebuilt defense.
Thomas spent the last two seasons in Major Applewhite’s South Alabama program after beginning his career at UAB, where he redshirted in 2023. In 2024, he made an impact as a redshirt freshman, recording 20 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He followed that up in 2025 with 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.
At Kentucky, Thomas will join former South Alabama teammate Dominic Wiseman in Anwar Stewart’s defensive line room. He becomes the sixth transfer added to that position group this offseason and is expected to compete at defensive end under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman.
There is also a personal storyline attached to his move. Thomas’ twin brother, Trent, transferred to Tennessee, setting up a family showdown in November when Kentucky travels to Knoxville.
Overall, Kentucky has added more than 30 players through the portal, reshaping nearly every position group. With multiple returners still in place, Thomas and fellow newcomer Antonio O’Berry will look to earn early snaps and help solidify a defensive front that is being rebuilt for 2026.
