Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Hairston forgoes his final year of eligibility in college.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston is forgoing his final year of college eligibility and declaring for the NFL Draft.

“While I’m excited for the next chapter I will always cherish my time at Kentucky,” the announcement on his Instagram account reads in part. “Thank you Big Blue Nation. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

In 2024, Hairston had 15 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception. He also missed a considerable amount of time due to a shoulder injury in the middle of the season.

During his college career, all of which was at UK, Hairston recorded six interceptions and three touchdowns.

A landmark game for the Michigan product came away to Vanderbilt in 2023 when he intercepted two balls for touchdowns becoming the first UK player to do so in program history.