WILDCATS ON THE RISE! — Three Kentucky Stars Named to Athlon’s Preseason All-SEC Team Ahead of 2025 Season
The Bluegrass is buzzing with anticipation as the Kentucky Wildcats continue to make waves across the SEC landscape. In yet another sign that the program is trending upward, three standout Kentucky Wildcats have been named to Athlon Sports’ prestigious Preseason All-SEC Team—a powerful statement of respect for what’s brewing in Lexington.
With head coach Mark Stoops at the helm and a renewed sense of swagger in the locker room, the Wildcats are not only gearing up for one of the most promising seasons in recent memory—they’re being recognized for the individual excellence that’s setting the tone for the team’s collective success.
Meet the Three Wildcats Earning SEC Praise:
1. Deone Walker – Defensive Line (First Team)
A certified menace on the line of scrimmage, junior defensive tackle Deone Walker has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the SEC. His blend of size, speed, and relentless motor earned him First Team honors, and rightfully so. After finishing last season with double-digit tackles for loss and a handful of quarterback sacks, Walker is poised to anchor Kentucky’s defense and wreak havoc on opposing offenses week in and week out.
2. Barion Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner (Second Team Offense, First Team Special Teams)
Barion Brown is electric. There’s just no other way to say it. The lightning-fast wideout and return specialist was a game-changer in 2024, and Athlon is expecting even bigger things in 2025. Whether he’s stretching defenses with his route-running or flipping field position on special teams, Brown is the kind of player who makes fans hold their breath every time he touches the ball. His dual recognition—offense and special teams—is a testament to his versatility and explosiveness.
3. Trevin Wallace – Linebacker (Third Team)
A quiet assassin in the heart of the defense, Trevin Wallace is finally getting the credit he deserves. The rising star linebacker racked up tackles, led blitz packages, and provided leadership on and off the field. Now, with his name among the SEC’s best, Wallace is out to prove that Kentucky’s defense is more than just physical—it’s relentless and elite.
A New Era of Respect
Athlon’s selections are more than just preseason predictions—they’re a reflection of the growing respect Kentucky football is earning across the nation. The Wildcats are no longer seen as a middle-tier SEC team hoping to spoil someone else’s season. They’re now viewed as serious contenders with elite talent, top-tier development, and a clear identity.
With a powerful recruiting class, veteran leadership, and rising stars across the depth chart, Kentucky’s ceiling continues to climb. Stoops has built a culture of toughness, and now that culture is bearing fruit in the form of national recognition.
Big Blue Nation: Take Notice
The message is clear—Kentucky isn’t waiting for respect anymore. They’re demanding it. And with stars like Walker, Brown, and Wallace leading the charge, the Wildcats are not only poised to compete—they’re ready to dominate.
The SEC has been put on notice: Wildcats on the rise—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
