As Kentucky prepares for its New Years Eve bowl game against Iowa, the Big Blue Nation can cast its eyes on the future.

The transfer portal has been good to Kentucky. Consider QB Will Levis, last year’s standout WR Wan’Dale Robinson, defensive difference-makers Jacquez Jones and Keidron Smith and many others. Where could the Wildcats use portal help in 2023?

Granted, we don’t yet know how many current Wildcats will head elsewhere. But we do know the attrition points for the NFL or the exhaustion of player eligibility. Here’s 5 spots where the ‘Cats might seek portal help.

Offensive line

After several seasons of having excellent offensive lines, Kentucky got substandard work up front in 2022. Right guard Tashawn Manning (who was an Auburn transfer himself) is out of eligibility, so that opens up one spot. Tackle Kenneth Horsey is rumored to be considering a return for a super senior season, but if he does, he’ll likely move inside to guard. Eli Cox and Jager Burton will return as interior starters, so Kentucky could use significant help at tackle. True freshman Kiyaunta Goodwin only saw a handful of snaps, so he must have a way to go. While tackle Jeremy Flax will return, Kentucky could potentially take on two starters in the portal on the offensive line.

Quarterback

The Will Levis experiment in Lexington was mostly positive. Despite a tough season for Levis in 2022, he ends his UK career with a 17-7 record as a starter. But the question is: Who will fill Levis’ shoes as he heads to the NFL. Backup Kaiya Sheron didn’t exactly nail down the job in his lone start, and while some around the program are high on freshman backup Destin Wade there’s a sense that Kentucky’s next starting quarterback could come in through the portal. Figuring out the offensive staff is probably part of that process, but it’ll be interesting to see how the Wildcats address their need for an experienced QB.

Running back

While there are whispers that Chris Rodriguez could be talked into another season, it’s far from certain. And even if Rodriguez comes back, Kentucky still needs depth for the future. Backup Kavosiey Smoke will be gone, and while JuTahn McClain has made some plays as a 3rd-down back, there’s no indication he’s ready to take the role of a starter. Kentucky did have FCS transfer Ramon Jefferson, but he was injured on his second carry as a Wildcat and sidelined for the season. Another player like Jefferson would make sense, and Kentucky could conceivably go after a pair of backs, because the shoes of Rodriguez will be ample to fill. The Wildcats have made a transfer portal offer to Ray Davis of Vanderbilt, who ran for 1,042 yards in 2022, including 129 against the Wildcats in November.

Wide receiver

It remains to be seen whether Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson will come back for a 5th year, but even if he does and freshmen Barion Brown and Dane Key both return, Kentucky could use another receiving target. The Wildcats severely lacked depth at the position, with UK’s 4th receiver finishing the year with 7 catches. An experienced pass catcher would likely see Day 1 playing time in Lexington.

Edge rusher

Kentucky’s defense was strong in 2022, and won’t sustain many losses. Pass rusher J.J. Weaver had a mildly disappointing season, but will probably be back, and freshman Keaten Wade showed flashes of excellence. But the Wildcats finished the season with just 19 sacks as a team, and Weaver’s total of 3 led the squad. The Wildcats likely would welcome a havoc-wreaking type of player off the edge.