Five Faces That Could Define Kentucky Athletics in 2026-27

LEXINGTON- The dog days of summer are almost over and that brings us into the Kentucky Athletics calendar itching with newfound excitement that this fanbase hasn’t felt in quite some time. After notable recruiting hauls across multiple sports (Kentucky is the only school to rank in the Top 10 of each MBB, WBB, FB, and Baseball in the Transfer Portal) there is tangible reason for that excitement. Every season has its stars, but every once in a while a player becomes the face of the program. Here are five names you need to know that could do exactly that:

Brooklyn DeLeye, Volleyball

DeLeye is one of the biggest stars in NCAA Volleyball on a team that enters the season ranked #3. Coming off of nagging injuries a year ago, DeLeye has appeared fully healthy in Kentucky’s exhibition schedule and Head Coach Craig Skinner doesn’t expect her to have any physical limitations this year. This is a team that finished as national runner-up last season and has their eyes set on taking the whole enchilada. With DeLeye, Kentucky will have a player with national recognition and can keep Kentucky amongst volleyball’s elite.

Photo: UK Athletics

Jayce Tharnish, Baseball

Getting Jayce Tharnish to return was no small offseason task for Nick Mingione. Tharnish is a speedster who fits into the Kentucky offense perfectly. A base burglar, he swiped 32 bases on 34 attempts last season. Just an absurd number. Am I saying he is the next Rickey Henderson? I am not. I am saying that he can find base and cause havoc once he gets on the bag, which is EXACTLY what Nick Mingione wants in his infamous offensive attack.

Photo: UK Athletics

Kenny Minchey, Football

This is an obvious answer, I know. But for Will Stein to get off to the start that the BBN is expecting, Minchey is going to need to be solid at Quarterback. The Notre Dame transfer did contend for the Irish’s starting slot last year and Stein seems pleased through fall practice with he first time starter’s progress. Not only will he need to be good on the field, he will need to be great as a leader. There is no doubt in my mind he will excel at the latter, but I need to see the on-field play before I push all of the chips in. Minchey will be the key to Kentucky’s success or a large reason for their lack of it. Only time will tell.

Photo: UK Athletics

Clara Strack, Women’s Basketball

Arguably one of the biggest faces in the sport, Strack decided to return for her Senior season in Lexington. Kenny Brooks recruited a haul around her and has the pieces for this program to go places that they’ve never been before. (Final Four anyone?) Strack has WNBA lottery written all over her, and is an SEC POY dark horse. There is also a world in which she could be in the conversation for National Player of the Year as well. This is a team with extremely high expectations and she will be the focal point.

Photo: UK Athletics

Milan Momcilovic, Men’s Basketball

The $6 million dollar man. Get used to hearing it. Pundits, writers, podcasters, and bloggers won’t let you forget his offseason price tag. However, it could be money well spent if he shoots at the clip he is capable of from beyond the arc. Seemingly tailor-made for a Mark Pope offense, Milan’s shooting numbers this summer have been remarkable if you believe what has leaked out from summer practices. He is going to force defensive adjustments from opponents to allow Kentucky’s offense to really excel for the first time under Mark Pope. That is if (and that is a big if) everyone can stay healthy. He also provides a veteran presence on a team that has their eyes on hanging #9 from the rafters of Rupp.

Photo: UK Athletics

Championship seasons are built by moments. Moments that usually belong to the players. If Kentucky is able to have the year that much of BBN is hopeful for, expect to see these faces smiling when it’s all over.