UK Football adds two transfers and one recruit for 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Wildcats made moves in both the transfer portal and on the recruiting front Tuesday afternoon, adding players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

On the defensive side, the Wildcats picked up Florida safety transfer Aaron Gates. As a Gator, Gates totaled 35 tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception.

On the offensive side, Kentucky added Oklahoma running back transfer Jovantae Barnes. He totaled 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns during his time with the Sooners.

Out of the high school ranks, the Wildcats flipped a former four-star Michigan commit. Virginia native Andre Clarke Jr. will be a part of Will Stein’s first Kentucky recruiting class.

Clarke is ranked as the No. 213 player nationally and 21st at his position, according to On3.