Kentucky Wildcats Revamp EDGE Position for 2026 Season

New defensive coordinator Jay Bateman brings an aggressive scheme that will require versatile players at the EDGE spot.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:30am

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As the Kentucky Wildcats football team prepares for the 2026 season, the EDGE position on defense will look quite different under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. The Wildcats will be utilizing more even fronts, requiring defensive ends to play with their hands in the dirt rather than stand-up outside linebackers. This position group will feature a mix of returning players and key transfers, led by standout Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace, who is expected to thrive in the new scheme.

Why it matters

The changes to Kentucky's defensive scheme will have a significant impact on the EDGE position, as players will need to adapt to new responsibilities and techniques. How this group performs could be a major factor in the Wildcats' defensive success in 2026.

The details

The EDGE room features several intriguing options, including FCS transfer Antonio O'Berry, who had a breakout season at Gardner-Webb, and South Dakota transfer Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace, who earned FCS All-American honors. Other players to watch include Sam Greene, a former USC transfer who is recovering from an ACL injury, and Lorenzo Cowan, the younger brother of Kentucky defensive tackle Tavion Gadson. Freshman Ben Duncum, a three-star recruit from Texas, could also factor into the rotation.

  • Kentucky began spring practice this week as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
  • The Wildcats will have a new defensive coordinator in Jay Bateman, who is implementing a more aggressive defensive scheme.
  • The EDGE position will see significant changes, as Kentucky moves to more even fronts that require defensive ends to play with their hands in the dirt.

The players

Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace

A transfer from South Dakota, Humphrey-Grace is expected to be one of the best players on Kentucky's defense in 2026. The 6-4, 270-pound defensive end earned FCS All-American honors in 2024 after recording 18.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Antonio O'Berry

The 6-6, 240-pound O'Berry is an FCS transfer from Gardner-Webb, where he was a productive pass rusher, logging 9.5 sacks and 72 pressures in 2025.

Sam Greene

After spending two seasons at USC, Greene transferred to Kentucky and became a key contributor at EDGE in 2025, starting nine games. However, he suffered an ACL injury in November and will miss spring practice, putting his availability for the start of the season in question.

Lorenzo Cowan

The younger brother of Kentucky defensive tackle Tavion Gadson, Cowan joined the Wildcats in the 2025 transfer portal window after one year at USC. He played a rotational role late in the season and will compete for a starting spot at outside linebacker in 2026.

Cedric Works

A four-star recruit out of Ohio, Works surprised as a true freshman, playing 172 defensive snaps and showing the ability to play both 4-3 defensive end and outside linebacker. He has high upside and could become a key piece of Kentucky's new defensive scheme.

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What’s next

The Wildcats will continue spring practice, with the EDGE position battle being a key storyline to watch as players adjust to the new defensive scheme.

The takeaway

Kentucky's defensive overhaul under new coordinator Jay Bateman will have a significant impact on the EDGE position, which will require versatile players who can thrive in both even and odd fronts. The Wildcats have assembled an intriguing group of returning players and transfers, led by standout Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace, who could emerge as one of the top defensive players in the SEC in 2026.