It’s been a tough stretch for Kentucky football seeing player after player enter the transfer portal this offseason.

However, fans received fantastic news yesterday when it was announced that tight end Willie Rodriguez would return for another season in Lexington.

The tight end group became a key part of the Kentucky offense in 2025 and with new head coach Will Stein now leading the program, there’s a lot of optimism that each position group will only be better as the team moves into prepping for 2026.

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Rodriguez saw playing time as a true freshman in 2024 and saw an uptick as a sophomore in 2025, catching 23 balls for 310 yards. His best game this past season came against Vanderbilt in late November when he hauled in six catches for 78 yards. He also scored his first collegiate touchdown against Eastern Michigan in mid September.

Stein and the coaching staff have to be thrilled that Rodriguez decided to stay in Lexington vs. entering the portal. Heading into his junior season, there’s a ton of confidence that he will make another leap and be a key contributor for Kentucky’s offense.

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