Kentucky lands a major transfer in Shiyazh Pete

This is a massive pickup for Kentucky and the Big Blue Wall.

The Kentucky Wildcats continue to bolster their offensive line with the addition of Shiyazh Pete, a standout offensive tackle transferring from New Mexico State. Pete announced his commitment via Twitter on Sunday.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing 320 pounds, Pete brings size, strength, and valuable experience to a Kentucky front looking to dominate in the SEC trenches.

After four seasons at New Mexico State, where Pete was a three-year starting left tackle, he decided to spend his final year of eligibility competing in a Power Five conference.

Originally from Montana, the veteran lineman showed significant growth in his fourth season, earning recognition for his strong performance as a reliable blindside pass protector. Known for his physicality, quick footwork, and ability to protect the quarterback, Pete quickly became one of the most sought-after transfers in the portal.

His decision to commit to Kentucky over Vanderbilt, where his former quarterback Diego Pavia and other former coaches are currently after they were together at New Mexico State, reflects the program’s growing reputation as a destination for top talent in the transfer market.

In fact, heading down the stretch, Pete was drawing heavy interest from the Michigan Wolverines and Nebraska Cornhuskers. On3’s Steve Wiltfong actually called those two the favorites for Pete heading down the stretch, but Kentucky won out in the end.

Head coach Mark Stoops and offensive line coach Eric Wolford were instrumental in securing Pete’s commitment. With the Wildcats losing several starters, Kentucky needed to revamp its offensive line. Pete’s arrival addresses a critical need and ensures the Wildcats have a reliable presence on the line.

Pete’s addition is a significant boost for the Wildcats, who aim to re-establish dominance in the trenches. With his experience and skill set, Pete is poised to make an immediate impact in the 2025 season.

Kentucky has bolstered its offensive line with the addition of five key players.

First, the Wildcats welcomed 6-foot-6, 238-pound interior offensive lineman Joshua Braun, who started in all 24 games for Arkansas over the past two years. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Next, Kentucky added 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive tackle Alex Wollschlaeger, who played for Bowling Green in the 2020 recruiting class. Wollschlaeger quickly became a three-year starter at right tackle for the Falcons and has accumulated over 2,400 career snaps. He, too, has one year of eligibility left.

Wallace Unamba, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound offensive lineman, joins the Wildcats after starting 10 games at right tackle for New Mexico in 2024. A Texas native, Unamba has one year of eligibility remaining.

Evan Wibberley, a 6-foot-5, 296-pound interior offensive lineman, started 15 consecutive games at center for WKU, logging nearly 800 snaps as a redshirt sophomore in 2024. Wibberley has two years of eligibility remaining.

Finally, Kentucky has added Pete to fill the left tackle position, completing their revamped offensive line. Now, the Big Blue Wall has some real potential heading into the 2025 college football season after being a weakness last year.