Kentucky football recruiting 2026: Texas WR Davis McCray commits to Mark Stoops

In what is shaping up to be a pivotal recruiting cycle for Kentucky football, the commitment of wide receiver Davis McCray is a noteworthy early win for head coach Mark Stoops and his staff. As the second official commitment of the 2026 class, McCray not only represents a promising on-field addition but also signals Kentucky’s growing ability to attract talent from deep within traditionally SEC-opposing territories—especially the football-rich state of Texas.

### **Who Is Davis McCray?**

Hailing from Cornerstone Christian in San Antonio, Texas, Davis McCray is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout known for his smooth route-running, strong hands, and big-play ability. Though considered a 3-star prospect nationally by 247Sports, many recruiting insiders note that McCray’s upside could see his ranking rise as he enters his senior season.

McCray played a versatile role in high school, lining up both on the outside and in the slot. He tallied over 900 receiving yards in his junior campaign with 11 touchdowns, showcasing a knack for stretching the field and making contested catches in traffic. He also participated in track and field, clocking a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, proving he has enough speed to be a vertical threat at the collegiate level.

More importantly, McCray brings a competitive edge that Kentucky coaches noticed early.

> “He’s got that dog in him—he competes for every ball, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder,” one Kentucky staff member was quoted as saying during McCray’s official visit.

### **Why Kentucky?**

So what led a Texas wideout to choose a program 1,000 miles away in the SEC East?

Several key factors influenced McCray’s decision:

1. **Early Opportunity**: Kentucky’s wide receiver room is expected to turn over significantly by 2026, opening up a real path to playing time for McCray.
2. **Offensive Scheme**: Under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Kentucky has continued to evolve into a pass-friendlier system that appeals to modern wide receivers. McCray’s role could mirror that of past standouts like Wan’Dale Robinson and Barion Brown.
3. **Development Track Record**: Kentucky has proven it can develop three-star prospects into NFL-caliber players, a selling point that resonated with McCray and his family.
4. **Culture Fit**: McCray reportedly bonded well with current players and the staff, describing the environment in Lexington as “real and focused.”

> “It just felt like home,” McCray said in his commitment video. “They believe in me, and I believe in what Coach Stoops is building.”

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### **Kentucky’s 2026 Class: A Closer Look**

McCray becomes the second player to commit to the Wildcats’ 2026 class, joining **Jarvis Strickland**, a four-star offensive tackle out of Georgia. While still early in the cycle, these two players suggest that Kentucky is casting a wide recruiting net—pulling from Texas, Georgia, and the rest of the Southeast.

More importantly, Stoops and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow have adopted a “stars-and-fits” philosophy: blending highly ranked talent with players who fit the culture, schemes, and development timeline of the program.

### **What McCray’s Commitment Means for the Program**

While it’s easy to view McCray as just another early-cycle 3-star recruit, there are strategic takeaways from his decision to commit:

#### 1. **Texas Pipeline Formation**

Kentucky has long recruited Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia with success—but cracking into Texas offers enormous upside. McCray’s commitment opens the door for more visibility in the Lone Star State, where hundreds of FBS-caliber players emerge each cycle. If Kentucky can establish even a light recruiting footprint there, it could be transformational.

#### 2. **Momentum in June**

June is typically a critical month for official visits and summer commitments. With McCray in the fold early, Kentucky enters the mid-summer period with something to sell—momentum. This is especially important as the staff hosts multiple high-profile visitors in the coming weeks.

#### 3. **Confidence in Development**

McCray is a classic “bet on tools” recruit. He has the physical attributes—size, hands, quickness—and with college-level coaching and strength training, his ceiling could be much higher than his current recruiting ranking suggests. Kentucky’s staff is betting on their system and developmental prowess.

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### **What’s Next for McCray?**

Davis McCray still has his entire senior season ahead at Cornerstone Christian. He’ll look to build on last year’s performance with more receptions, improved yards after the catch, and leadership on and off the field. Scouts will be watching closely, and a strong year could bump him into 4-star territory, especially if he impresses at national camps.

Kentucky’s staff, meanwhile, will continue to stay in close contact—maintaining his commitment through potential SEC suitors who may try to flip him later in the cycle.

A Strong Start to 2026**

It’s still early in the 2026 cycle, but the addition of Davis McCray gives Kentucky fans a reason to feel optimistic. In a competitive SEC recruiting environment where blue bloods often hoard the spotlight, programs like Kentucky must be sharp, strategic, and opportunistic. Landing McCray—a rising playmaker from Texas—is a perfect example of how Kentucky can win those battles.

With a strong culture, clear player development path, and growing NIL infrastructure, the Wildcats are positioned to attract more talent like McCray—players who may not have five stars but possess everything needed to become stars in blue and white.