Wallace Unamba Enters Transfer Portal Again After Short Kentucky Stint
Kentucky’s offensive line is undergoing more change as Wallace Unamba, a recent addition to the team, is heading back into the NCAA transfer portal. Unamba joined the Wildcats earlier this offseason, one of five linemen brought in to bolster the offensive front. However, after just a few months in Lexington, he’s opting to explore other opportunities once again.
According to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer, Unamba is re-entering the portal, marking another chapter in his already well-traveled college football career. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Unamba has the size to make an impact, but his journey across multiple schools continues.
He began his college football career at Kilgore College, a junior college in Texas, where he stood out enough to be named an NJCAA All-American. His strong performance in JUCO set the stage for moves to the FBS level. He first transferred to Florida Atlantic, spending a season there before transferring again, this time to the University of New Mexico. At New Mexico, Unamba served as a starting right tackle in 2023, starting in ten games and notably allowing zero sacks.
Given his prior success and physical attributes, Unamba was expected to compete for a meaningful role at Kentucky. While his arrival added experience and depth to the line, it quickly became clear he wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot. Throughout spring practices, he worked primarily as the second-team right guard and occasionally rotated at offensive tackle. Despite his versatility, he remained behind others on the depth chart.
To make matters more complicated, Unamba sustained a minor injury during the Kentucky Spring Showcase, which may have hindered his progress and limited his chances to climb the depth chart. Even though the injury didn’t seem serious, it could’ve factored into his decision to move on again.
Before spring practices began, Kentucky’s coaching staff already faced a crowded offensive line situation. With numerous players vying for limited spots—especially on the interior—it wasn’t obvious who would ultimately earn starting roles. Unamba’s ability to play both guard and tackle seemed like an asset, especially since the team had just lost Anfernee Crease (previously RT2) to the portal. But despite the need for depth and flexibility, Unamba ultimately chose to move on.
While it may seem surprising to see a player transfer after just a few months, this kind of situation is becoming increasingly common in the modern college football landscape. For instance, last year wide receiver Raymond Cottrell made a similar move. After transferring from Texas A&M to Kentucky in the offseason, he entered the transfer portal again following spring practice and ended up at Division II West Florida. He went on to catch just three passes for 23 yards during the 2023 season.
Unamba now joins a growing list of Wildcats who have moved on via the portal during this cycle. Kentucky has seen a total of 21 players enter the portal during the winter window, and now several more are joining them during the spring period. As of now, four players are known to have entered the portal this spring.
Here’s a breakdown of Kentucky’s notable transfer portal departures across both windows:
Defensive Line:
Keeshawn Silver – Committed to USC (Dec. 19)
Tommy Ziesmer – Committed to Eastern Kentucky (Dec. 15)
Kendrick Gilbert – In the portal
Linebackers:
Jayvant Brown – Committed to Temple (Jan. 9)
Edge Rushers:
Tyreese Fearbry – Committed to Wisconsin (Dec. 22)
Noah Matthews – Committed to Delaware (Jan. 7)
Caleb Redd – Committed to Kansas (Dec. 20)
Defensive Backs:
Avery Stuart – Committed to Ball State (Jan. 5)
CB Jiquavious “Quavo” Marshall – In the portal
Tight Ends:
Tanner Lemaster – Committed to Eastern Michigan (Dec. 22)
Khamari Anderson – Committed to Arizona State (Dec. 22)
Jordan Dingle – Committed to South Carolina (Dec. 18)
Offensive Linemen:
Courtland Ford – Committed to UCLA (Dec. 17)
Ben Christman – Committed to UNLV (Dec. 27)
Dylan Ray – Committed to Minnesota (Dec. 21)
Koby Keenum – Committed to Mississippi State (Dec. 22)
Daniel Mincey – In the portal
Anfernee Crease – In the portal
Marc Nave – In the portal
Wallace Unamba – Now back in the portal
Wide Receivers:
Dane Key – Committed to Nebraska (Dec. 24)
Barion Brown – Committed to LSU (Dec. 14)
Anthony Brown-Stephens – Committed to Tulane (Jan. 7)
Brandon White – Committed to Hawaii (Dec. 28)
Running Back:
Chip Trayanum – Committed to Toledo (Dec. 24)
Quarterback:
Gavin Wimsatt – Committed to Jacksonville State (Jan. 5)
The Wildcats’ roster continues to evolve as they adjust to the ever-changing realities of college football’s transfer portal era. While some of these exits were expected due to playing time or fit, others—like Unamba’s—came more unexpectedly after just a short stint.
As for Unamba’s next move, it remains to be seen where he’ll land. His size, experience, and ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line could make him an appealing addition for teams still looking to reinforce their trenches ahead of the 2025 season.
