In a move that caught many in Morgantown off guard, four-star wide receiver Braydon Hawthorne has committed to the University of Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over West Virginia and several other Power Five programs. The decision marks a major recruiting win for Kentucky — and a tough blow for the Mountaineers.
Hawthorne, a dynamic 6-foot-1 receiver out of Georgia, had been heavily linked to WVU throughout his recruitment. He visited Morgantown multiple times and was seen as a priority target for head coach Neal Brown’s 2025 class. With his speed, route-running ability, and explosive playmaking, Hawthorne was viewed as a potential game-changer in West Virginia’s offense.
However, Kentucky surged late in the recruiting battle, making a strong impression during Hawthorne’s official visit to Lexington. The Wildcats pitched immediate playing time, SEC exposure, and a clear vision for his development. That combination was enough to sway Hawthorne, who announced his commitment via social media with a simple message: “I’m home. #BBN.”
“I appreciate everything WVU and the coaches did for me,” Hawthorne said. “But at the end of the day, I had to trust my gut, and Kentucky felt like the best place for me to grow on and off the field.”
For West Virginia, the news is a clear setback. The Mountaineers have struggled in recent years to consistently land blue-chip offensive talent, and Hawthorne’s commitment would have sent a strong message about the program’s trajectory. Instead, they’re left scrambling to regroup and refocus their wide receiver recruiting efforts.
Kentucky, meanwhile, adds another elite weapon to an already promising class. Head coach Mark Stoops continues to make waves in SEC recruiting circles, and Hawthorne’s commitment underscores the program’s growing national appeal.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle rolls on, Hawthorne’s decision serves as a reminder that relationships, resources, and conference prestige can shift even the most confident predictions. For WVU, it’s back to the drawing board. For Kentucky, it’s a win that could pay dividends for seasons to come.