Kentucky Football loses 2 players to transfer portal as offseason turnover begins

Kentucky football saw its offseason roster movement continue on Tuesday, as two wide receivers, David Washington Jr. and Preston Bowman, indicated their intentions to enter the transfer portal.

Washington Jr., a true freshman in 2024, appeared in all 12 games for the Wildcats, primarily on special teams. He recorded his first collegiate catch against Murray State, hauling in a nine-yard reception. A versatile athlete out of St. Joseph’s Prep in Pennsylvania, Washington was a unanimous three-star recruit who chose Kentucky over offers from Virginia, Wisconsin, and Syracuse. He did not play much in 2025, but he was a multi-position standout in high school, contributing as a receiver, running back, linebacker, and return specialist while helping St. Joseph’s to a 13–1 record and a Class 6A state championship.

According to Chris Hummer of 247 Sports, Washington Jr. will explore the portal.

Bowman, a 5-foot-11 wide receiver from Pickerington, Ohio, did not see game action during his true freshman season in 2025, preserving four full years of eligibility. According to Rivals’ Greg Smith, Bowman plans to explore his options once the portal officially opens. Despite not cracking the rotation, Bowman was viewed as a developmental piece with upside when he arrived in Lexington.

The NCAA transfer portal window opens Friday, Jan. 2, and runs through Jan. 16. With Washington Jr. and Bowman now added, Kentucky has four known players preparing to enter the portal this offseason, joining linebacker Landyn Watson, EDGE Steven Soles Jr., and quarterback Stone Saunders.

As the Wildcats transition into the next phase of the offseason, more movement could still be on the way as roster decisions continue to take shape.