Football

Kentucky Dealing With Multiple Injuries Following Ole Miss Loss

Published

3 years ago

October 3, 2022

Kentucky was the better team when they played Ole Miss on Saturday, but self-inflicted mistakes cost them the game. To make it worse, three key players are dealing with injuries, with two of them potentially missing an extended period of time, according to Ryan Lemond and Kentucky Sports Radio.

Those three players are Jeremy Flax, Jacquez Jones, and Kavosiey Smoke.

Jeremy Flax

Flax was injured in the final offensive drive of the game, going down as he grabbed his hamstring with what many thought was just a cramp – which Ole Miss fans loudly booed at. However, it is now to be believed to be more severe and is “50/50” that Flax will play this week, and could miss several weeks according to Lemond.

While all three injuries are significant, Flax’s injury may be the most concerning due to the inconsistency of the offensive line. That was put on immediate display as Flax was replaced by redshirt freshman, David Wohlabaugh Jr., who gave up the quarterback rush that resulted in the game-ending fumble.

Jacquez Jones

Prior to Saturday’s game, Jones – a transfer from Ole Miss – had been one of Kentucky’s key defensive leaders and led the team in total tackles. Early in the first quarter, the star linebacker was slow to get up after an Ole Miss run.

Jones was able to walk off under his power and even returned to make a key interception to halt a quickly moving Ole Miss drive to end the first half. However, the injury seemed to be too bothersome after multiple plays in the second half, and did not return.

Lemond went on to say that Jones could be out for “the rest of the season”, but in his weekly press conference on Monday, Stoops said, “He’s banged up, we’ll see,” when asked about Jones’ status.

Linebacker is a position where Kentucky has depth, and JJ Weaver could be making a return this week, which will be much needed.

Kavosiey Smoke

Contrary to the other two, Smoke’s injury was not one that was as noticeable but the senior back is believed to have suffered a concussion.

Smoke has been the primary back since his breakout half at Florida, but with Chris Rodriguez’s return and Jutahn McClain showing some strong runs, the Wildcats are equipped to handle it if he is ruled out. However, for the sake of depth, it is hopeful that Smoke does not miss too much time.

It is important to note that all three players are still on this week’s depth chart and no official announcement has been made, but it is best to prepare as if they will be out.

Fortunately, Kentucky is playing South Carolina (3-2, 0-2 SEC), who cannot be overlooked but is the easiest opponent the Wildcats will play until Missouri next month.

Football

Two More Wildcats Eye NFL Futures

Two more Wildcats are receiving opportunities to accomplish their NFL dreams.

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2025

Israel Schill

UK Athletics

Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson and kicker Alex Raynor are the latest Kentucky Wildcats aiming to make their mark in the NFL.

Go be great at the @Seahawks, @Derykjackson4. pic.twitter.com/ZHvVsVonNr— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 9, 2025

Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 244-pound linebacker, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks after impressing during the team’s rookie minicamp.

In his five seasons playing college football, Jackson amassed 216 total tackles including 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and five interceptions.

The former Kentucky standout and the teams leading tackler from 2022 and 2023 will now compete for a spot on the Seahawks final 53-man roster.

Raynor, meanwhile, received an invitation to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie camp, which runs May 9–11.

Go be great at the @Buccaneers, @acraynor1. pic.twitter.com/M8UOxK9rOm— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 8, 2025

The Kennesaw, Georgia, native made 25 of 27 field-goal attempts in two seasons with Kentucky, including a school-record 55-yarder.

His performance earned him SEC Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2024 and a shot to prove himself at the next level.

With the addition of Jackson and Raynor to NFL rosters, the total number of Kentucky Wildcats now vying for a spot in the league has reached 10.

Football

Saskatchewan Roughriders Sign Octavious Oxendine to CFL Deal

Published

1 week ago

May 8, 2025

Isaiah Pinto

UK Athletics

On Wednesday, it was officially announced that former Wildcats defensive lineman Octavious Oxendine agreed to play with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Oxendine becomes only the fifth player from Kentucky to take their talents up north. Those before him included fellow Roughrider Micah Johnson, Josh Ali of the Calgary Stampeders, Lynn Bowden of the BC Lions and Quandre Mosely Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Radcliff, Kentucky, native played five seasons in Lexington. Making 19 starts in 47 games played, Oxendine recorded 78 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.

In 2024, Oxendine appeared in all 12 games for the Wildcats and made one start against Murray State, finishing his final season with a team-second best four sacks.

A key performance by Oxendine helped Kentucky defeat the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Mississippi, as the defensive lineman recorded three tackles and a career-high two sacks for a combined 10 yards lost. His first sack came on a third down play, forcing the Rebels to punt, and the second led to Ole Miss letting the clock run out to end the first half.

The standout performance led to Oxendine being named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

In December 2024, Oxendine graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in social work. Additionally, the recent graduate was named the 2025 CATSPY Male Supporting Role Award.

Now in green, Oxendine will take the field with the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they are set to kickoff the preseason on Saturday, May 24, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Football

Tre’vonn Rybka Signs With Dolphins As Undrafted Free Agent

Published

3 weeks ago

April 29, 2025

Israel Schill

John Clay | UK Athletics

Another Cat is heading to the NFL after defensive lineman Tre’vonn Rybka was signed by the Miami Dolphins in undrafted free agency on April 28, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Go be great at the @MiamiDolphins, @trevonnrybka. pic.twitter.com/OkBHiubzyG— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 28, 2025

Rybka, who appeared in 48 games over five seasons with Kentucky, amassed 95 tackles including 5 sacks. As a senior, he started all 12 games, finishing with 34 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.

He now joins a Dolphins defense that used their No. 13 pick in this year’s draft on Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, meaning Rybka will have to compete for a roster spot in a deep defensive front rotation.

Off the field, Rybka, who was adopted by his grandparents as a child due to his mother’s battle with addiction, is an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass. He was awarded the “Big Ambassador of the Year” award in 2024 for his commitment to mentoring and supporting the youth.

His commitment to give back to the community and its youth reflects dedication to make a positive impact both on and off the football field.

Rybka will report to the Dolphins rookie camp on May 9-12, before he officially fights for a spot on the 53-man roster in June.