With the 113th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Kentucky Wildcats guard Jalen Farmer was selected by the Indianapolis Colts.
He is the first Wildcat to hear his name called in this year’s draft, which hopes to produce several more Kentucky draftees when it’s all said and done.
A 3-star recruit out of high school, Farmer originally committed to the Florida Gators, where he played for two seasons, after offensive line coach Eric Wolford left for the same job at Alabama. When he entered the transfer
portal after the 2023 season, and Eric Wolford returned to Kentucky after Nick Saban’s retirement, that old connection won out, and he transferred to Lexington.
After not seeing the field much in Gainesville, Farmer got in better shape and started all 24 games at right guard during his time in Lexington. His size and strength helped him in Kentucky’s run game. This past season, he graded at 84% with only two missed assignments, two penalties, two quarterback sacks, and only two pressures allowed in a team-high 831 snaps.
Many believed he would return for another season and be a key member on the line for Kentucky next season. After a promising performance in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft Combine, his bet on himself paid off, as he was selected in the early part of the fourth round.
According to draft experts, Farmer has one of the biggest upside for an offensive lineman in this year’s draft, and with pro coaching, should ascend, potentially as an NFL starter.
