Kentucky still isn’t done hitting the transfer portal to rebuild the Big Blue Wall.
With the transfer portal deadline approaching, no new players can enter, but those already in the portal can still commit to other schools. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Wildcats continue to target players for the offensive line.
Kentucky is continuing its efforts to revamp the Big Blue Wall through the transfer portal. So far, the Wildcats have added right tackle Alex Wollschlaeger (Bowling Green), guard Josh Braun (Arkansas), center Evan Wibberley (Western Kentucky), and versatile lineman Wallace Unamba (New Mexico).
While the additions have been valuable, Kentucky is still missing a crucial piece on the offensive line: a starting left tackle.
On Saturday night, Shiyazh Pete announced that he has received a scholarship offer from Kentucky. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound offensive lineman hails from Missoula and has established himself as a reliable presence on the field, starting 31 of 33 games at left tackle during his time at New Mexico State. Pete still has two years of eligibility remaining.
Kentucky offered GO Wildcats!! pic.twitter.com/Bp9J1mcak7
— (@ShiyazhT) December 29, 2024
Pete earned First-Team All-Conference UCA honors after helping the Aggies achieve a 10-win campaign in 2023. Although an injury sidelined him for the first half of the 2024 season, he made a strong comeback for the final six games. During that stretch, he allowed just five pressures and committed no penalties. Pro Football Focus awarded him a season grade of 70.9, with his lone sack allowed coming against Texas A&M.
Pete fits the profile of exactly what Kentucky needs at left tackle. However, his skill set is attracting significant attention from programs across the country.
The 6-foot-8 standout has already visited Oklahoma State and holds offers from prominent schools such as Michigan, USC, and Iowa State. One program to keep an eye on is Vanderbilt, where Pete hinted at an upcoming visit to Nashville. There, he would reunite with several former New Mexico State teammates who transferred alongside quarterback Diego Pavia last offseason.
Vanderbilt seems to have the edge in the race for Pete’s commitment. After missing out on Florida State-bound Vanderbilt transfer Gunnar Hansen, Kentucky is in urgent need of securing a left tackle. The Wildcats must land a key addition at the position soon, or they risk running out of viable options in the transfer portal.