Football

Will Levis’ Projected Landing Spots: Best Fits

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2022

UK Athletics

The last Kentucky quarterback to be drafted was Andre Woodson who was drafted in the sixth round back in 2008. As for the last first-round quarterback selection, that would be Tim Couch back in 1999, who is also the program’s lone No. 1 overall pick.

A projected top 10 pick off the 2023 NFL Draft Board anywhere you look, Will Levis has the chance to, as most Kentucky fans know, change the outlook for the program in this year’s draft.

With that said, let’s take a brief look at some of the teams that could potentially draft the quarterback and what would be the best fit for him.

Washington Commanders

Washington seems to be the best fit for Levis by far.

A young playoff team a year ago, placing a guy like Levis with the already established receiving core in Terry McLaurin, Kurtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson, would give Washington all the potential in the world, not even to mention a defense led by young star Chase Young.

No matter if Wentz or Heinicke holds the starting job towards the end of the year, Washington will be looking for a QB towards the draft and Will Levis would be a great fit.

Indianapolis Colts

Depending on if the Colts finish their season the way they have started so far, they will very well be picking towards the top of the 2023 NFL draft.

It’s uncertain how long the cult will try the failing Matt Ryan experience, but it’s looking quite probable the team will be eyeing a quarterback in April.

Being drafted by a team that nearly missed the playoffs a year ago would surround Will Levis with all the veterans he needs. All pro talents in Jonathan Taylor and Shaquille Leonard will give Levis a great chance of success in the NFL, leading a storied franchise in Indianapolis.

New England Patriots

Given the fact that they had a guy named Tom Brady for nearly two decades, a QB controversy is something very unfamiliar in New England.

In a very similar situation as the one the Colts have, no matter who is the starting quarterback between Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones, the Pats could very well be shopping for a quarterback next season.

Not a lot of star talent in Foxborough, having head coach Bill Belichick puts any Patriots team in a great spot to succeed, specifically giving Will Levis a good chance to have a great professional career.

As of right now, New England seems to be in a rebuilding situation. Drafting Levis high in the draft could change their historic program’s trajectory.

Detroit Lions

Amongst the other teams, Detroit has one of the best chances of landing Levis.

The Lions are the second-youngest team in the NFL. Aidan Hutchinson, Jeff Okudah, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and D’Andre Swift are amongst the young core full of stars that would match great with Levis.

Putting a talent like Levis in what is currently the 7th most efficient offense in the NFL would make for a great chance of success in Detroit.

Despite an underwhelming 7-5 season, limited by injuries, NFL teams are still very high on the Wildcat QB and he is a guy who’d pretty much positively impact any failing franchise.

The Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers are also a couple of teams who could take a chance on Levis in April’s Draft, but would not provide as much potential as the prior franchises listed.

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

7 days 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.