Owensboro Linebacker Ty Ashley Praises UK Defensive Coordinator Jay Bateman

Ashley says Bateman's energy and coaching style made a strong impression during his recruitment.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Ty Ashley, a three-star linebacker recruit from Owensboro, Kentucky, recently committed to play for the University of Kentucky. Ashley praised the energy and coaching style of new UK defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, saying Bateman and the rest of the defensive staff 'hit my heart in a special way' during his recruitment. Ashley also noted that new UK head coach Will Stein is prioritizing in-state recruiting more than the previous staff, which Ashley believes will lead to great things for the Kentucky football program.

Why it matters

Recruiting top in-state talent is crucial for the long-term success of the Kentucky football program. Bateman's ability to connect with players like Ashley could give UK an advantage in keeping the best players from the Bluegrass State home to play for the Wildcats.

The details

Ashley, a three-star linebacker, had several big-time offers but decided to commit to Kentucky after visiting for a spring practice. He was impressed not only by Bateman's coaching but also by the genuine character of the defensive staff, including Bateman, head coach Will Stein, and inside linebackers coach Chad Wilt. Ashley believes the new UK coaching staff's focus on in-state recruiting will pay dividends, as he has already been in contact with other top Kentucky prospects like offensive lineman Brady Hull.

  • Ashley visited Kentucky for a Junior Day in January 2026.
  • Ashley committed to Kentucky in the spring of 2026 after attending a practice.
  • Ashley and Pulaski County offensive lineman Brady Hull faced off in the 2025 state championship game.

The players

Ty Ashley

A three-star linebacker recruit from Owensboro, Kentucky who recently committed to play for the University of Kentucky.

Jay Bateman

The new defensive coordinator for the University of Kentucky football team, known for his energetic coaching style that impressed recruit Ty Ashley.

Will Stein

The new head coach of the University of Kentucky football team, who is prioritizing in-state recruiting more than the previous coaching staff.

Chad Wilt

The new inside linebackers coach for the University of Kentucky football team, who Ashley says 'hit my heart in a special way' during his recruitment.

Brady Hull

A 2027 offensive line recruit from Pulaski County, Kentucky who Ashley has been in contact with as part of UK's in-state recruiting push.

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What they’re saying

“'It's something that is a little hard to explain. He's definitely a great character, a great guy in general. I went up to a Junior Day in January and I got to see how they (UK coaches) were as people even though I didn't see them coaching.'”

— Ty Ashley, Linebacker recruit

“'I finally got to see them practice and got to see them actually coaching. Right then I knew this was home for sure.'”

— Ty Ashley, Linebacker recruit

“'Knowing that coach Stein is focused on those Kentucky guys, I think it's going to get something rolling and it's going to be something good.'”

— Ty Ashley, Linebacker recruit

What’s next

Ashley will continue to recruit other top in-state prospects to join him at Kentucky, as the new coaching staff looks to build a strong 2027 recruiting class focused on keeping the best players from Kentucky home.

The takeaway

Ty Ashley's commitment to Kentucky highlights the importance of building strong relationships with in-state recruits, which new head coach Will Stein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman have prioritized. Their ability to connect with players like Ashley could give the Wildcats an edge in keeping top Kentucky talent home to play for the home-state program.