Wilson Berry’s Return Sparks Hope for Wildcats’ Special Teams Revival in 2025

In a move that’s already turning heads in the SEC, the Kentucky Wildcats are welcoming back a familiar and much-needed weapon: Australian punter Wilson Berry. After some uncertainty about his future with the team, Berry’s decision to return for the 2025 season has breathed new life into Kentucky’s special teams unit — a part of the game that struggled with consistency in recent years.

Berry, known for his booming leg and calm demeanor, brings both stability and experience to a group that has seen plenty of ups and downs since his last full season. The return of the Aussie punter marks a significant step toward re-establishing the Wildcats’ identity in the often-overlooked third phase of football.

For those unfamiliar, Wilson Berry is the younger brother of former Ray Guy Award winner and NFL punter Jordan Berry. Like his brother, Wilson made his way to the United States via the famed ProKick Australia program, which has produced a long line of successful college punters. His debut at Kentucky in 2020 was filled with promise. Despite battling injuries and competition from other specialists in recent years, Berry has remained committed to the Wildcats’ program.

Now, with a fresh opportunity in 2025, Berry is looking to rewrite his story in Lexington and make his final year in blue and white his best yet.

Special teams have been an inconsistent aspect of Kentucky’s performance during recent seasons. While the Wildcats have enjoyed strong showings in the return game at times, punting has been a source of instability. The team cycled through different punters in 2023 and 2024, often struggling to control field position — a critical factor in tightly contested SEC games.

Stoops, who has long emphasized the importance of winning the “hidden yardage” battle, expressed his enthusiasm in a recent press conference. “Wilson brings that maturity, that steadiness we’ve been missing. You know what you’re getting when he’s on the field, and that matters a lot in this league.”

Berry’s presence isn’t just about performance on game day. He’s expected to play a critical role as a mentor to younger players on the special teams unit. Kentucky has brought in several young kickers and punters over the past two recruiting classes, and having a seasoned veteran in the locker room could accelerate their development.

Special teams coordinator Jay Boulware, entering his third season with the Wildcats, emphasized the value Berry adds behind the scenes. “You can’t teach experience, and Wilson has it. He’s been through tough games, seen the highs and lows, and he understands the discipline required. Our young guys will benefit tremendously from just being around him.”

The 2025 Wildcats are shaping up to be a revamped squad on both sides of the ball. With several new faces on offense, including a new quarterback expected to take the reins, field position and time of possession will be more important than ever. In that context, having a trusted punter like Berry is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Kentucky’s defense also projects to be strong, particularly in the front seven. Pairing that with a punter capable of pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line gives Stoops’ team a strategic edge. In the rugged SEC East, where games often come down to a handful of plays, that edge could be the difference between six wins and nine.

While Berry’s focus is clearly on helping his team, there’s no doubt he’ll have individual goals in mind too. When healthy and in rhythm, Berry has the talent to be among the top punters in the nation. A standout season could even put him in the running for the Ray Guy Award — college football’s top honor for punters — a feat that would mark a remarkable comeback story.

In a recent interview, Berry shared his outlook heading into 2025: “I’m excited to be back. I’ve got a lot to prove, and I want to finish what I started here. This team means a lot to me, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”

As Berry gears up for what may be his final college season, the Kentucky faithful are eager to see what’s in store. Whether it’s unleashing a 60-yard punt in a rivalry game or mentoring a freshman kicker in practice, Wilson Berry’s return feels like a critical turning point for a Wildcats team seeking to rise above mediocrity.