In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, five-star wide receiver Jayden Mitchell has flipped his commitment from the Texas Longhorns to the Kentucky Wildcats. The elite prospect out of IMG Academy in Florida had been a vocal pledge to Texas since early February but announced his stunning decision on social media Friday evening.
“I’ve prayed on it, talked to my family, and I’ve decided to commit to the University of Kentucky,” Mitchell wrote. “This is the best decision for me and my future.”
Mitchell, ranked No. 3 among wide receivers in the 2025 class by 247Sports, had long been considered a cornerstone of Texas’s future offense. His speed, size, and route-running ability made him a perfect fit for Steve Sarkisian’s high-powered scheme. However, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen made a late and compelling push that ultimately changed the tide.
Sources close to Mitchell say Kentucky’s vision for him as an immediate contributor and the growing success of their NIL program were major factors in his flip. The Wildcats beat out other SEC powerhouses Georgia and Tennessee, both of whom remained in pursuit until the final week.
For Texas, this marks a significant loss in an otherwise strong recruiting class. Meanwhile, Kentucky continues to gain momentum on the trail, showing it can now compete with traditional blue bloods for top-tier talent.
Mitchell is expected to enroll early in January 2026.
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