Football

Will Levis’ Offseason Journey to the NFL Draft

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2023

Transferring to Kentucky from Penn State, Will Levis was a relatively unheard-of name. Now later this week, Levis has the opportunity to become just the third Kentucky quarterback to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft in program history.

It hasn’t come easy nor without controversy, let’s take a look at Levis’ preparation as his dream nears its reality.

NFL Combine

Will Levis’ first showcase took place in the NFL Combine, and all eyes were on him. Everyone in Lucas Oil Stadium stopped what they were doing to see how Levis would perform. It’s safe to say that everyone was impressed with him.

Will Levis was able to show off his “cannon” during the throwing drills he partook in. Levis’ top throwing speed reached a blistering speed of 59 mph, which was the 3rd fastest of the combine, behind Florida’s Anthony Richardson (60 mph) and UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson (62 mph).

Levis showed off just how far he can sling the football as well. He truly thinks he can throw the ball 80 yards, and you can see why he is so confident about that. He also showed that he has not only insane power, but near-precision accuracy as well. Below is a video of some of his throws from the NFL Combine:

https://youtu.be/b9W10cuUYgQ

His size and athletic ability also stood out from his peers. Levis measured in at 6’4, 229 lbs, he has a 10 5/8-inch hand size and a 32-inch arm length, and he recorded a 34-inch vertical and a 10’4 broad jump to go along with that.

UK Pro Day

Scouts, coaches, and GMs from all 32 NFL teams were in Lexington to see Will Levis up close. Just like during his NFL Combine performance, everyone made sure to see how Levis would do.

Once again, his ability to sling the football for miles with deadly precision amazed everyone watching. It was more of the same for Levis. His size, athleticism, and throwing ability proved why he will go high in the NFL Draft. Watch Will Levis at UK Pro Day below:

NFL Draft Projection

Where does Will Levis go in the NFL Draft following his showings at the NFL Combine and UK Pro Day? Well, here are what some of the top NFL analysts think:

Jordan Reid: Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7 overall)

Mike Tannebaum: Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 overall)

Mel Kiper Jr.: Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 overall)

Todd McShay: Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Trade (No. 14 overall)

Daniel Jeremiah: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19 overall)

The vast majority of projections have Levis going in the top 10, while some have him as high as a top three pick and as low as a fringe first-rounder.

Physical Transformation

Since the end of the college football season, Will Levis has been putting in extra work in order to prepare himself for the NFL. Physically, Levis has become stronger and you can certainly tell.

Take a look at his transformation below:

.@UKFootball QB Will Levis is getting Draft ready. 😤💪 (via @will_levis) pic.twitter.com/cP9IZtjZ4d— NFL (@NFL) March 29, 2023

Football

Two More Wildcats Eye NFL Futures

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

Published

5 days 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

2 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.