Kentucky lands commitment from 2-sport athlete, 4-star QB
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Two Kentucky programs got big news on Sunday.
Matt Ponatoski has verbally pledged to be a Kentucky Wildcat. For Mark Stoops, Ponatoski is a blue-chip quarterback for his 2026 roster. Ponatoski also plans to play for Nick Mingione’s Kentucky baseball program.
Out of Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller High School, Ponatoski is listed as measuring 6-2 and 195 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Ponatoski is rated 4-stars, the No. 12 player in Ohio, No. 21 quarterback and No. 280 prospect overall in the Class of 2026.
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On the diamond, Ponatoski was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Ohio. A shortstop, Ponatoski posted an average of .437, collecting 29 RBIs and 22 runs scored on the season. He also pitched 3 innings of relief, collecting 2 saves.
Ponatoski has been drawing notable interest during his recruitment. He told Hayes Fawcett of Rivals that he chose Kentucky over Oregon, Alabama and Arkansas.
For Stoops’ troops, Ponatoski gives Kentucky football 15 players committed. Fans can get a preview of what he brings to the football program by watching his highlights in the Hudl video below:
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
