Defensive back Aaron Gates joins Kentucky football roster for upcoming season

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 9:57 PM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Defensive back Aaron Gates joins Kentucky football roster for upcoming season
Summary

Kentucky football prepares for its season opener against Youngstown State this Saturday, marking the debut of coach Will Stein. The Wildcats roster features transfer defensive back Aaron Gates, who arrives in Lexington following three seasons at Florida. Gates, a 6'0", 199-pound native of Newnan, Georgia, is expected to compete for the starting nickel cornerback position. His career has been marked by injury, including a 2024 campaign cut short after recording 27 tackles and one interception, followed by another injury-limited season last year. The program aims to utilize his experience in the secondary as he seeks to remain healthy through the upcoming schedule. Stein recruited Gates as a high-ceiling addition to the defense, where he maintains the versatility to play multiple positions.

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By the Numbers
  • Aaron Gates enters his first season with Kentucky after transferring from Florida.
  • The 6'0" defensive back is expected to open as the starting nickel cornerback.
  • Kentucky plays Youngstown State this Saturday to begin the 2026 season.
  • Will Stein makes his head coaching debut for the Wildcats in the season opener.
  • Gates was a four-star recruit in the 2023 high school class.
Latest Updates
  • 9:57 PMYahoo SportsGet to know the Kentucky football roster: No. 3 Aaron Gates
What they're saying
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We're getting to know the 2026 Kentucky football roster, and today we're taking a look at No. 3, defensive back Aaron Gates.

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