According to Rivals and Kentucky insider Jeff Drummond, the Wildcats are in a strong position to recruit wide receiver JJ Hester, a transfer from Oklahoma. The 6’4″, 202-pound receiver is recognized for his size and potential as a red-zone target, offering much-needed depth and flexibility to Kentucky’s wide receiver group.
Hester, a former four-star recruit ranked among the top 50 wide receivers by 247Sports, has shown potential throughout his college career. His best season came in 2024 at Oklahoma, where he recorded 14 receptions for 315 yards and a touchdown. Notably, he averaged 22.5 yards per catch, highlighting his ability to make big plays. His longest reception was a 90-yard touchdown, showcasing his deep-threat skills.
While Hester’s college performance has been limited, partly due to competition for playing time, his high school scouting reports show significant upside. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports highlighted Hester’s physical attributes, including a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, a 4.13-second shuttle, and a 36.5-inch vertical leap. Brooks emphasized Hester’s “great potential as a red-zone target” but noted areas for improvement, such as consistency in high-pointing the ball and lateral explosiveness.
JJ Hester
With Kentucky’s wide receiver room undergoing significant changes in recent years, Hester’s size and potential make him an appealing addition. Rivals’ Justin Rowland mentioned that Kentucky is in a position to add a big, deep-threat receiver, similar to Dane Key, though Hester doesn’t yet have the same level of production.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, with Hester’s commitment still unannounced, the buzz from Drummond and Rowland suggests Kentucky is well-placed to secure him. If Hester joins the Wildcats, he could play a key role in strengthening an offense that has struggled with passing game consistency in recent seasons.
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