WATCH: KSR Breaks Down the Departure of Joel Williams

Entering fall camp it felt like a make or break year for Kentucky defensive back Joel Williams. The 11 Personnel crew did not anticipate it breaking so quickly.

Monday afternoon On3’s Matt Zenitz reported Joel Williams entered the transfer portal before the Wildcats began the second week of preseason practice. New transfer portal windows have led many disgruntled players to pump the brakes on departure decisions. Williams had apparently seen enough. A few points that were touched on during the conversation between Nick Roush and Adam Luckett.

• Where the abrupt decision hurts the most.
• Who’s up next?
• Why Kentucky will likely stay away from Louisiana prospects. For more from the Kentucky Sports Radio crew, subscribe to KSR on YouTube for daily updates. Stayed tuned for more Kentucky Football talk from Nick Roush and Adam Luckett on 11 Personnel.

• Film Room: Martels Carter

• Kentucky’s defense is on the board in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The first win on that side of the ball is a big one. For the fourth time in five years, the Wildcats have landed the No. 1 player in Kentucky. Martels Carter became a Cat on Saturday when he picked the Big Blue over Auburn.The safety is a top-200 recruit who transferred from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Brainerd to Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman for his junior season. In 2023, Carter was a three-way threat who made a huge impact on offense, defense, and special teams. The prospect quickly became a top target for Kentucky and will join the class before a big recruiting month begins in Lexington.

  What will Martels Carter bring to the field in Lexington? The blue-chip defensive back will bring a playmaking skill set to the Kentucky secondary as a rangy cover safety with good instincts.