Twitter celebrates Franck Kepnang and Iveon Lewis becoming Kentucky Wildcats

TL;DR

Kentucky Wildcats have secured commitments from Franck Kepnang, a center from Washington, and Iveon Lewis, a wide receiver from Virginia. Kepnang, a notable shot-blocker, and Lewis, a top prospect from Virginia, enhance Kentucky's roster for the upcoming seasons.

Key points

Kentucky Wildcats secured commitments from Franck Kepnang and Iveon Lewis
Kepnang is a 6'11 center known for shot-blocking
Lewis is a 6'2 wide receiver from Virginia with over 1,000 yards in high school
Kepnang needs a waiver for a seventh year due to injuries
Lewis chose Kentucky over several major programs

Mentioned in this story

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Kentucky WildcatsFranck KepnangIveon Lewis

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 09: Franck Kepnang #11 of the Washington Huskies reacts during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Alaska Airlines Arena on March 09, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images It was a two-sport haul for the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, and BBN’s timeline could barely keep up. Mark Pope landed a veteran big from the Big Ten in Washington center Frank Kepnang, and Will Stein kept his recruiting heater going by reeling in 4-star pass-catcher Iveon Lewis out of Virginia. Here’s a quick look at both, plus how the fans are reacting.

Franck Kepnang Brings Rim Protection to UK

The 6-foot-11, 250-pound center announced his commitment on Instagram, with Kentucky making it official shortly after. The Cameroon native spent last season at Washington after starting his career at Oregon, and he was one of the Big Ten’s premier shot-blockers when healthy. He appeared in 27 games this past season, starting 25, and ranked third in the Big Ten in blocks per game at 2.07, while averaging 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. The wrinkle: Kepnang will need a waiver for a seventh year. Knee injuries limited him to just eight, 10, and 14 games across three earlier seasons, and most observers feel that medical history makes the waiver likely to clear.

If this doesn’t get you excited about Washington transfer Franck Kepnang, then I don’t know what will. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ifyPT6NfAs

— Cats Coverage (@Cats\_Coverage) May 9, 2026 Franck Kepnang Deep Dive:

– Offensive rebounding percentage was ranked in the 95th percentile last season. – Defensive rebounding percentage was ranked in the 88th percentile last season. – His block percentage was in the 98th percentile – Adjusted DRTG was 95.04, which is in… pic.twitter.com/Jj8JE0bNVi

— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) May 9, 2026 Franck Kepnang might be the Van Wilder of college basketball if he's eligible next season.

Q&A

Who is Franck Kepnang and what are his stats?

Franck Kepnang is a 6-foot-11 center who averaged 6.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.07 blocks per game last season at Washington.

What impact will Iveon Lewis have on the Kentucky Wildcats football team?

Iveon Lewis, a 6-foot-2 wide receiver, is expected to significantly enhance the Wildcats' offense after recording over 1,000 yards in his last two high school seasons.

What challenges does Franck Kepnang face regarding eligibility?

Kepnang will need to apply for a waiver for a seventh year of eligibility due to past knee injuries that limited his playing time.

What other schools were interested in Iveon Lewis before he chose Kentucky?

Iveon Lewis had offers from several schools including Georgia, Indiana, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Notre Dame before committing to Kentucky.