UK Football

Suspended UK running back Jamarion Wilcox arrested, charged with sexual abuse

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

Read our AI Policy.


  • UK running back Jamarion Wilcox arrested, charged with sexual abuse.
  • Wilcox suspended for first three games after August 20 assault allegation.
  • Transfers Dowdell and McGowan shifted Wilcox to fourth on 2025 depth chart.

More than a month after a sexual assault allegation against him resulted in a protective order being issued, Kentucky running back Jamarion Wilcox has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

Wilcox has been suspended for each of UK’s first three games this season.

A woman alleged Wilcox climbed in her bed around 1 a.m. on Aug. 20 without her consent while visiting her roommate in their apartment. She alleged Wilcox tried to forcibly open her legs and grope her despite her telling him to leave. After she climbed out of bed to get her roommate, the woman realized Wilcox was naked, according to her petition for the protective order.

The woman called 911, and police responded to the apartment. In her petition, she said Wilcox refused to leave the apartment after police arrived for around 20 minutes.

The Herald-Leader does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault.

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 like one of Kentucky’s most dynamic playmakers when he touched the ball, as evidenced by 100-yard games in November against Tennessee and Murray State.

UK added running back transfers Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan to the roster in advance of the 2025 season, pushing Wilcox to fourth on the depth chart before his suspension.

Jamarion Wilcox led UK in rushing yards last season.
Jamarion Wilcox led UK in rushing yards last season. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM.

Jon Hale
Lexington Herald-Leader
Jon Hale is the University of Kentucky football beat writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He joined the Herald-Leader in 2022 but has covered UK athletics for more than 10 years. Hale was named the 2021 Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW