REAKING: Kentucky Shocks SEC Rivals with 3-Star Linebacker Kris Thompson’s Commitment — Wildcats Quietly Lock in Defensive Game-Changer for 2025

In a move that has sent shockwaves across SEC recruiting circles, the University of Kentucky has landed a major defensive addition for its 2025 football class. Kris Thompson, a highly-regarded 3-star linebacker out of Georgia, has officially pledged his commitment to the Wildcats, leaving several conference rivals stunned and scrambling for answers.

Despite flying somewhat under the national radar as a 3-star prospect, Thompson has drawn the attention of top-tier programs throughout the Southeast thanks to his relentless motor, high football IQ, and versatility on the field. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he’s the type of hard-nosed, sideline-to-sideline linebacker that Kentucky has quietly built a defensive identity around during the Mark Stoops era.

Thompson announced his decision in a social media post on Friday evening, declaring his love for the coaching staff, the university’s culture, and what he called “a defensive tradition on the rise.” The commitment is a huge win for Kentucky, not only bolstering its linebacker corps, but also signaling that it can still win important recruiting battles in the heart of SEC territory.

What makes Thompson’s commitment even more dramatic is how quietly Kentucky was operating behind the scenes. While schools like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi State were thought to be major contenders, Stoops and his staff were building a relationship with Thompson that ultimately proved to be the difference.

Defensive coordinator Brad White and linebackers coach Mike Stoops reportedly made multiple visits to Thompson’s high school, emphasizing both development and early playing opportunities. That hands-on approach resonated deeply with Thompson and his family.

The news has not sat well with rival fanbases. Social media platforms lit up within minutes of Thompson’s announcement, with fans of competing programs expressing disbelief that their schools couldn’t close the deal on a player many had penciled in as a future starter.

Tennessee fans were equally vocal, with some pointing fingers at the Volunteer coaching staff for not prioritizing Thompson enough in recent weeks. Even Georgia Tech, which had also shown late interest, appeared to be blindsided by the Wildcats’ stealthy recruiting push.

For Kentucky, the addition of Thompson is more than just another name in a recruiting database — it’s a symbol of the kind of player development pipeline that Stoops continues to refine. Over the past several seasons, the Wildcats have carved out a reputation as a gritty, defensively sound program that thrives on overlooked talent.

From Josh Allen to Jamin Davis, Kentucky has developed several lower-ranked recruits into NFL-caliber linebackers. Thompson now appears to be the next name in that legacy, with scouts praising his instincts, aggression, and quick-twitch ability to close gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield.

With Thompson now locked in, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class gets a major boost of momentum heading into the summer. The commitment may not dominate national headlines the way a 5-star signing might, but make no mistake: this is the kind of addition that changes locker room culture and builds the backbone of a tough SEC defense.