Keeshawn Silver transfer portal: Top 3 landing spots for Kentucky DL if he leaves the program ft. Georgia Tech
Defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver could enter the transfer portal after his second season with the Kentucky Wildcats. Silver played in every game but the season ended with Kentucky failing to qualify for a bowl game. On3's Pete Nakos reported on Dec. 3 Silver is expected to leave Kentucky and enter the transfer portal.
Kentucky (4-8, 3-5 SEC) ended its season with a 41-14 blowout loss to the Louisville Cardinals (8-4, 4-2 ACC) in Week 14. Silver had three total tackles in the matchup.
Nakos said Silver will enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility left. In his junior year, he had 26 total tackles, 14 solo tackles, and one sack.
Here are the three teams he may join if he ultimately decides to leave Kentucky.
#1 Illinois Fighting Illini
The No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) had a great season and reached bowl eligibility. On Nov. 30, they won 38-28 over the Northwestern Wildcats (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) in their last matchup of the regular season.
Illinois improved from just five wins in 2023 and could look to bolster its defense in the offseason. It will be losing defensive lineman Dennis Briggs Jr., who joined the team for his final college year. Briggs Jr. contributed 39 tackles, 17 solo, and 2.5 sacks. Silver could be a good acquisition to help the team make up some of Briggs Jr.'s production.
#2 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-5, 1-4 ACC) reached bowl eligibility for a second consecutive season. In Week 14, they pushed the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (10-2, 6-0 SEC) to the limit in a 44-42 loss that went into eight overtimes on Nov. 29.
Georgia Tech is expected to have defensive lineman Romello Height return for his senior year. He had the most tackles for his position on the team, with 34 total tackles, 18 solo, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. The Yellow Jackets may have an open position with Sylvain Yondjouen, who is finishing his fifth season with the team. Georgia Tech could look at Silver in the transfer portal to help replace him.
#3 Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers (5-7, 3-6 Big Ten) had their worst season in over two decades. Wisconsin hasn't missed playing in a bowl game since 2001 when it had a 5-7 record. On Nov. 29, the team suffered a 25-7 defeat to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten). Minnesota's dominant performance gave the Badgers their fifth consecutive loss.
Wisconsin will attempt to make changes in the offseason to get the team back on track. The Badgers could try to convince Silver to join their program to improve their defense. They'll have defensive lineman Curt Neal return next season, who had 29 total tackles and 14 solo. If Silver decides to attend Wisconsin, he and Neal could be what the team needs to return to relevance.