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The Kentucky Wildcats have been on a recruiting roll since adding Will Stein to the staff.
The Cats parted ways with long-time leader Mark Stoops and added Stein following a disappointing campaign last season, and the new first-time head coach instantly started to find his groove on the recruiting trail.
One of those players that seems to be exciting fans in the future is Cincinnati-native Matt Ponatoski , but the two-sport athlete now has a decision to make.
While it looks like Kentucky is in the drivers seat still, Ponatoski has been drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Of note, he had offers from Alabama, Oregon and Cincinnati, so there were a plethora of teams eyeing the prospect.
The 6-foot-1 athlete is a three-star recruit for the Cats and is ranked as the 22nd-best quarterback in the Class of 2026.
He has improved to the 13th-best quarterback in the class per the 247Sports Composite scoring system.
Kentucky football/baseball signee Matt Ponatoski, a product of Cincinnati's Moeller HS, is selected No.
542 overall by the hometown Cincinnati Reds in the 18th Round of the MLB Draft.
He will have until July 27 to decide whether to sign or play for the Wildcats.
Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) July 12, 2026 As noted, the Cats commit still has a few weeks to decide what his future holds.
That said, here's what 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins wrote on Ponatoski and his future.
"Stocky pocket passer with eye-popping production that brings accuracy and intelligence to the position.
Can throw with both pace and touch.
More importantly, can get the ball out fast and push the tempo.
Moves like a middle infielder and will deliver some off-balance dimes, which makes sense seeing as how hes a nationally-ranked shortstop that has drawn interest from MLB scouts," Ivins wrote.
He put a good chunk more than the above, but there's clearly potential for Ponatoski in football.
NIL likely will play a factor in his decision, which might be a positive for the Cats as well.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky Wildcats football commit taken in 2026 MLB Draft.