Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning JacQai Long across Football, Baseball.
The recent MLB draft has set the stage for a unique college career that blends football and baseball, raising questions about scholarship money, competition and the program’s future.
A highly touted athlete who was drafted in the 18th round by the Cincinnati Reds has signed with the University of Kentucky, where he will compete for a backup quarterback spot while also suiting up for the Wildcats baseball team.
Four‑star quarterback Matt Ponatoski was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB draft and now faces a July 27 deadline to sign, a choice that could affect both the Reds’ bonus pool and the University of Kentucky’s football backup plans.
Four‑star quarterback Matt Ponatoski must weigh a lucrative MLB bonus against his commitment to Kentucky football.
Kentucky's offense is being rebuilt under Will Stein, with new quarterbacks and playmakers, while Vanderbilt looks to rebound after losing Diego Pavia. The upcoming game on Oct. 24, 2026, will test both teams' progress.
Matt Ponatoski, a top high-school quarterback recruit, says his priority is an MLB draft, raising questions about his role with the Wildcats and the leverage it may give him in name-image-likeness talks.