One of Kentucky football’s few offensive standouts last season was suspended for opener
READ MORE
Gameday: Kentucky 24, Toledo 16
Click below for more of the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com’s coverage of Saturday’s Kentucky-Toledo football game at Kroger Field in Lexington.
Expand All
The breakout offensive player from Kentucky’s disastrous 2024 season suspended for Kentucky football’s 2025 opener.
Running back Jamarion Wilcox was unavailable due to a violation of team rules, UK coach Mark confirmed after the Wildcats’ 24-16 win over Toledo on Saturday at Kroger Field. Wilcox has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday regarding a domestic and interpersonal violence allegation, according to court records.
Stoops said he would provide a further update on Wilcox’s status when he was able to next week.
Wilcox was not expected to serve a featured role after the additions of transfer running backs Dante Dowdell (Nebraska) and Seth McGowan (New Mexico State), but there was still reason to hope his big-play ability could be a boost in certain situations after coaches praised him for his offseason progress.
As a redshirt freshman, Wilcox led Kentucky in rushing yards (590) but struggled to find a consistent role because he had not mastered the playbook. Still, he looked dynamic when he touched the ball, as evidenced by 100-yard games in November against Tennessee and Murray State.
That promise was not enough to prevent UK coaches from looking for reinforcements at Wilcox’s position in the transfer portal though. Coaches confirmed during preseason camp the plan was to rotate Dowdell and McGowan for most carries. Redshirt freshman Jason Patterson looked like the third option after impressing in the two preseason scrimmages.
Dowdell carried 14 times for 129 yards and a touchdown against Toledo, and McGowan had 18 carries for 78 yards.
This story may be updated.
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 4:37 PM.
