Kentucky Football makes the cut for Reed Gerken ahead of June decision

Sep 16, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats helmet during the game against the Akron Zips at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kentucky Football is in the mix for another key 2027 recruiting target as 3-star offensive tackle Reed Gerken has narrowed his recruitment down to four schools.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman from Perrysburg announced on Sunday that Kentucky, Illinois, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin remain in contention for his commitment. According to Riley Alberts of 247 Sports, Gerken is set to announce his college decision on June 22.

Kentucky has continued to prioritize Gerken throughout the recruiting process. During the week of May 4, Wildcats offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan visited Gerken at his high school, showing that Kentucky has strong interest in the talented lineman.

Gerken also has multiple visits scheduled ahead of his commitment date. He is expected to visit Virginia Tech on May 29, Wisconsin on June 5, and Kentucky on June 19, which is just three days before he announces his decision. That timing could play a major factor in Kentucky’s chances if the staff is able to make a great impression during the official visit.

Momentum may already be trending in Kentucky’s direction. Back on April 20, Josh Edwards of CatsPause logged a prediction for Gerken to eventually become a Wildcat. 247 has him ranked 50th among offensive tackles and 20th in the state of Ohio.

As recruiting momentum continues to build under Will Stein and his staff, Kentucky appears to be in strong position heading into one of the more important offensive line recruitments in the 2027 cycle.