Kentucky football is already making strides for the future by securing a commitment from rising 2027 quarterback DJ Hunter. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal-caller from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, announced his decision to join the Wildcats after a recent visit to Lexington.
Though Hunter is currently unranked in national recruiting databases due to his age, his potential is undeniable. After transferring to Bearden this past season, Hunter made an immediate impact, playing in just eight games. He completed 76 of 142 passes for 1,431 yards and nine touchdowns, adding three more rushing touchdowns. His impressive arm, size, and mobility quickly attracted attention from college programs, with Kentucky acting swiftly to make their pitch.
Hunter’s transfer to Bearden followed a recovery from an early-season injury, but his strong performances later in the year and leadership qualities helped him gain recognition as one of the top emerging quarterbacks in the region. His play has sparked interest from recruiting analysts, and he’s expected to rise in rankings once full evaluations are completed. For Kentucky, this is a significant early victory in the 2027 class. Head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan have shown a commitment to developing quarterback talent, and Hunter’s early commitment gives them a jump-start in shaping the future offense. His skill set aligns well with the modern offensive style Kentucky is building under Hamdan, one that values quarterbacks who can extend plays and make throws at all levels.
Hunter visited Lexington on Saturday and had planned trips to Tennessee and Virginia, but his experience in Kentucky stood out, prompting him to make a swift commitment. Though there’s still a long way to go in his recruitment, Kentucky now has the chance to strengthen its relationship with Hunter and his family. As the first commitment in the 2027 class, DJ Hunter offers a strong foundation and plenty of potential for the Wildcats. If his development continues, Kentucky may have secured one of the future stars of college football.
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