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.
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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.
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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:
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.
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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.
The Wildcats bolstered their backfield with the addition of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan on April 20, per KSR’s Nick Roush.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, McGowan brings size and downhill power to Kentucky’s offense. Coming off a productive season at New Mexico State, he rushed for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores through the air.
A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, McGowan originally signed with Oklahoma and logged 370 rushing yards, three touchdowns and 201 receiving yards with one touchdown during his lone season with the Sooners.
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On May 7, 2021, McGowan was removed from Oklahoma following his involvement in a legal case in which he was arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime in December of that year.
After a stint at NAIA school Texas College in 2022, where he did not see game action, McGowan continued his path back to Division I football, playing six games with Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State for the 2024 season.
Now, with his past behind him, McGowan has a chance to turn the page and contribute in a major way to the Wildcats’ offense.
Running backs coach Jay Boulware, who helped Oklahoma sign McGowan out of high school, likely played a role in bringing him to Kentucky, where he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.
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Along with Nebraska transfer Dante Dowdell, McGowan could be a part of a versatile and punishing backfield tandem for the Wildcats. While Dowdell brings a physical, downhill rushing style, McGowan’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game adds a dynamic layer to offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s pro-style system, which emphasizes balance and explosive playmaking.
Before he transferred to Kentucky, Jamon Dumas-Johnson was an All-American at Georgia, with waves to at least test the NFL draft after winning a National Championship. However, with the decision to play his last collegiate season as a Wildcat, Dumas-Johnson was a cornerstone piece for the Kentucky defense, finishing the season with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his 11 starts for the team.
His athleticism spoke volumes at Kentucky football’s NFL pro day, where current NFL draft boards now list the linebacker as one of the best athletes at the position and has earned himself a “top 10” feel ahead of the draft. Before pro day, publications such as Bleacher Report had him listed as No. 13 at his position.
Dumas-Johnson proved himself with the highest vertical jump (37.5) and the longest broad jump (10.60) out of the Wildcats who competed in said events, and ran an impressive best 4.50 40-yard dash. At 245 pounds, he also managed to press 16 reps of 225, which could technically be “better” compared to NFL standards, but is impressive nonetheless in hindsight.
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At 23 years old, this linebacker exploits explosiveness, agility and can hawk down any playmaker on the field. Out the 31 NFL teams that attended the event (a Cleveland Browns representative did not attend), one will be getting a prize steal of the draft with Dumas-Johnson.
Alex Raynor had an illustrious season for Kentucky last year, being named to First-Team All-SEC, as a finalist for the Lou Groza award and as SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.
As the record holder for the longest field goal in program history, and arguably one of, if not the, most consistent kickers to ever be a Wildcat, Raynor now looks to the NFL Draft in the next chapter of his book.
Recently, at Kentucky football’s NFL Pro Day on Tuesday, March 11, Raynor kicked off the event with his workout.
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Although he would miss a routine kick for him inside of the 45, he would continue to move back, nailing a 55-yard kick and nearly making a 60-yard kick.
The best moments of his workout came when Raynor would line up behind the UK logo inside of Nutter Field House and would nail a 65-yard field goal.