The Kentucky Wildcats are on a mission to improve their football program, and Will Stein seems to be putting a strong foot forward in his first offseason as the head coach. Stein, who is a first-time head coach and is coming to Lexington after having served as the offensive coordinator for the potent Oregon Ducks attack, has been on the recruiting trail, and he’s been making key moves and has added many talented prospects.
Most recently, the Cats were able to get a commitment from Reed Gerken, an interior offensive lineman, and they are in the mix for Dominic Black as well. Black is down to five programs, 247Sports announced. Along with the Cats, Michigan State, Tennessee, Indiana, and Virginia Tech made the cut, and there’s no real clear-cut favorite. Black has been a crystal ball prediction for Kentucky, so the Cats might be in the lead. From New Madison, Ohio, the 6-foot-5 tackle doesn’t have any home-state programs on his final tab.
NEWS: 4 ⭐️ OT Dominic Black is set to announce his commitment LIVE on the CBS Sports College Football YouTube Channel. 👀
Black is down to 5 finalists, Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Virginia Tech. 🔥
Where should Dom go? pic.twitter.com/FrUEiyllY4
— 247Sports (@247Sports) June 8, 2026
Kentucky has the 10th overall recruiting class for the Class of 2027 right now, and it has 22 hard commits, which is huge for the program. The Cats class is led by four-star quarterback Jake Nawrot, who is the sixth-best player at the most important position on the field. They have two four-star recruits, and Black could be the third.
There’s no denying that adding a huge lineman like Black would be ideal for Stein, who seems to have a few big-time playmakers coming to Lexington already. In the SEC, the Cats are going to have to recruit well to stay in the mix with some of the top contenders.
Now, Stein needs to close the deal with Black and then show he can coach at the highest level in college football.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky Wildcats included in final 5 finalists for key four-star OT
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