Kentucky football’s 2026 recruiting class took a hit this week as 4-star safety Messiah Tilson decommitted from the Wildcats and flipped to Rutgers. The Rockford, Illinois native announced his decision only days after Mark Stoops’ firing and Will Stein’s hire as Kentucky’s new head coach.
Tilson, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back, had been one of the top-rated defensive players in Kentucky’s early 2026 haul. His departure leaves the Wildcats with just four defensive commitments entering the early signing
period, a concern for a program looking to restock on that side of the ball.
The flip comes at a time of transition, with Stein assembling his first full staff and working to stabilize recruiting momentum. Tilson is ranked among the top safeties nationally in the 2026 class, making his loss especially notable for a defense expected to undergo schematic and personnel changes under the new regime.
Kentucky’s 2026 class remains offense-heavy, headlined by four-star wide receiver Kenny Darby and four-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski. Several high three-star receivers: Denairius Gray, Dallas Dickerson, and Prince Jean also bolster the group, along with tight end Lincoln Watkins and multiple offensive linemen. Defensively, Kentucky still holds commitments from Ben Duncum (DL), Isaiah McMillian (CB), Justyn Hartley (LB), and JUCO corner Braxton Urquhart.
While losing Tilson stings, Stein and his staff will now look toward the transfer portal and upcoming evaluation periods to replenish the defensive talent pool. With early signing day approaching, Kentucky’s recruiting efforts will stay active as the program adjusts to its new direction under Stein.
