Duncum, a standout from Austin, Texas, chose Kentucky after taking his final official visit to Lexington.
Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats football staff have landed yet another talented defender, this time from the Lone Star State.
Ben Duncum, a 3-star edge rusher out of Austin (Texas) Lake Travis High School, has committed to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Wisconsin. He’s currently ranked 855th nationally and 90th among defensive linemen in the class of 2026 via 247 Sports.
Duncum took his final official visit to Lexington over the weekend, which helped seal the deal and add to Kentucky’s growing 2026 recruiting class. Known for his explosiveness off the edge and motor on defense, Duncum is expected to be a disruptive force at the next level.
“Kentucky was the best fit for me, and they have lots of opportunities and plans for me,” Ben Duncum tells A Sea of Blue. “I was ready to commit the second night after talking with all the players. They are a great group of guys, but I wanted to wait until a little later to make sure all the meetings went well.”
He also said the coaching staff made a lasting impression.
“Coach (Mark) Stoops said I’m a great fit for the program and that I’m the kid they want for DL. Coach (Brad) White mentioned that earlier in my recruitment, saying I was number one on their board. I thought they were not serious until they showed me proof.”
Duncum becomes the third player from Texas to commit to Kentucky in this cycle. Wide receiver Davis McCray, out of San Antonio’s Cornerstone Christian, committed on June 3, and cornerback Isaiah McMillian from Katy (Texas) High joined the class on June 22.
“I have been in contact with all the commits, and I think it’s great because Texas has the best high school talent,” Duncum added. “I’m bringing a hardworking mindse,t and I want to come in as a true freshman and make a difference. I want to be the guy at Kentucky early. I believe I will. I’m excited to be a Wildcat.”
Duncum’s commitment comes just one day after Kentucky landed 3-star wide receiver Dallas Dickerson, and he becomes the 11th overall commitment in the Wildcats’ 2026 class, which now features:
- Jordan Crutchfield, CB (3-star)
- Messiah Tilson, S (3-star)
- Prince Jean, WR (3-star)
- Davis McCray, WR (3-star)
- Cameron Miller, T (3-star)
- Max Mohring, LB (Unranked)
- Delvecchio “Deuce” Alston II, RB (Unranked)
- Lincoln Watkins, TE (3-star)
- Isaiah McMillian, CB (Unranked)
- Dallas Dickerson, WR (3-star)
Kentucky’s class of 2026 continues to build momentum with talent from across the country.