Kentucky loses JUCO standout Da’Mare Williams after surprising decommitment

Kentucky football suffered another setback Sunday as JUCO standout Da’Mare Williams announced his decommitment from the Wildcats. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound safety from Smoky Mountain (Sylva, NC) had just committed earlier in the week following his official visit to Lexington.

“First I want to thank the University of Kentucky coaching staff for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to be part of their program,” Williams wrote on social media. “I have nothing but respect for them. After talking with my family and taking time to reflect on what’s best for my future, I have decided to decommit from the University of Kentucky. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right one for my long-term goals.”

Williams, ranked as the No. 8 safety and No. 65 overall player in the JUCO Rivals Industry Ranking, originally chose Kentucky over Mississippi State, West Virginia, Houston, UCF, and Charlotte, among others. According to Jacob Polacheck of KSR+, the plan was for Williams to enroll in January and compete for immediate playing time, which was a major part of Kentucky’s pitch.

Now, roughly a day after UK’s 41–0 shutout loss to Louisville in the regular-season finale, Williams decided to reopen his recruitment. The timing raises questions, especially with uncertainty surrounding Mark Stoops’ future as head coach.

Kentucky did land one JUCO defensive back this week in Braxton Urquhart, who remains committed at this time, but losing Williams highlights the growing instability around the program heading into winter.