Willie Rodriguez News, Rumors, Updates - Kentucky Wildcats

Productive in loss to Tennessee Rodriguez hauled in 6 of 9 targets for 81 yards during Saturday's 34-6 defeat versus Tennessee.

Impact Rodriguez delivered another productive performance hauling in six of nine targets for a team-high 81 receiving yards without a touchdown. Rodriguez averaged 13.5 yards per reception and finished with 8.1 fantasy points in standard formats and 14.1 in PPR leagues, leading the Wildcats in receiving yards while finishing second in receptions behind Kenny Darby. The junior accounted for more than 36 percent of quarterback Kenny Minchey's 224 passing yards, highlighted by a 38-yard reception that represented Kentucky's longest completion of the afternoon. Despite the Wildcats failing to reach the end zone, Rodriguez continued to demonstrate his importance in the passing attack, becoming the first tight end in program history to record at least five receptions in five consecutive SEC games. He has now accumulated 45 receptions for 405 yards and three receiving touchdowns through nine appearances, including 17 catches for 186 yards over his last three contests.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Rushing touchdown in win over Vandy Rodriguez gathered in 6 of 7 targets for 67 yards during Saturday's 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt.

Impact Rodriguez had another strong performance as he led the team in receiving yards with 67 while adding a rushing touchdown. Rodriguez has now recorded at least five receptions in four consecutive games, becoming the first Wildcat tight end to hit that number since 1999. The veteran tight end leads all Wildcats in reception on the season with 39 and has not only established himself as one of Kenny Minchey's top targets but also a focal point of the offense as he has contributed in the running game and has started to get direct snaps in short yardage situations.

OCTOBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Kenny Minchey helps No. 12 Kentucky beat Vanderbilt 34-17

Kenny Minchey threw for 203 yards a touchdown and rushed for another score in No. 12 Kentucky’s 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday night

OCTOBER 25 • Associated Press

Two touchdowns in win over Oklahoma Rodriguez caught 5 of 7 targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 21-13 victory versus Oklahoma.

Impact Rodriguez had a career high two touchdowns against the Sooners. Rodriguez came down with a 2-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter and followed it up with a 12-yarder in the fourth quarter. With five receptions against Oklahoma, Rodriguez now has hit that mark four times in the last five games.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Will Stein's reaction to thrilling South Carolina win is everything Will Stein is a man that wears his emotions on his sleeve, and his reaction to Willie Rodriguez’ game sealing catch is something you have to...

OCTOBER 4 • ASEAOFBLUE.COM

Minchey rallies No. 24 Kentucky to 35-34 OT win at South Caroilna

Kenny Minchey threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Henry Boyer and a 2-point conversion to Willie Rodriguez, leading No. 24 Kentucky to a thrilling 35-34 overtime victory against South...

OCTOBER 4 • Associated Press

High volume in loss to Alabama Rodriguez had eight receptions (on nine targets) for 49 yards during Saturday's 45-17 defeat versus Alabama.

Impact Rodriguez saw a lot of action against the Crimson Tide however he was mostly used as an outlet as his eight catches went for just 6.1 yards per reception. Rodriguez's longest catch went for just 18 yards and it was the third longest reception of the day for the Wildcats as the short passing game was almost all that they could get going against Alabama.

SEPTEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Touchdown in season opener Rodriguez hauled in 4 of 6 targets for 48 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 45-13 victory against Youngstown State.

Impact Rodriguez and fellow tight end Mikkel Skinner co-led the team in receptions on the day with four a piece. If there is any indications to be taken from this season opener it may be that the tight ends will have a big role in this offense moving forward. Keep an eye on Rodriguez through out the season.

SEPTEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Kentucky turns the page: Will Stein ready after replacing the SEC's longest-tenured coach

Kentucky has a new coach with deep roots in the Bluegrass State

AUGUST 17 • Associated Press

Primed for key role in offense Rodriquez is expected to have a big role in Kentucky's offense for the 2026 season, per Darrell Bird of 247Sports.com.

Impact Rodriquez was praised by head coach Will Stein Monday at SEC Media Days, as the coach said, "Willie is one of the best tight ends in the country and is going to be a staple in our offense." The tight end emerged as a reliable target in 2025, hauling in 23 receptions for 310 yards and a touchdown. While Rodriguez will have a new quarterback under center this season, he will remain a top target in the Wildcats' passing attack.

JULY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Friday Headlines: Willie Rodriguez returns to Kentucky Football Your best source for quality Kentucky Wildcats news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

JANUARY 9 • ASEAOFBLUE.COM

Season high in loss to Vandy Rodriguez hauled in 6 of 7 targets for 78 yards during Saturday's 45-17 defeat against Vanderbilt.

Impact Rodriguez had his best game of the season against Vandy. The Wildcats fell behind early forcing them to pass for the majority of the game. Rodriguez benefitted greatly from this as he had his first game with over three catches on the season.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to roll Rodriguez (undisclosed) is off the injury report for Saturday's game against Tennessee.

Impact Rodriguez had a season-high three catches on six targets his last time out and will look to build on that against the Vols. He and Josh Kattus will be available and should stay busy.

OCTOBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Deemed probable Rodriguez (undisclosed) is listed as probable for Kentucky's tilt with Tennessee.

Impact The Wildcats' No. 2 tight end has yet to miss a game this fall and has multiple receptions in each contest save for Week 2 against Ole Miss. Given Rodriguez' probable tag, he should be good to go against the Volunteers barring any setbacks.

OCTOBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back at practice Rodriguez (undisclosed) was seen practicing for Kentucky on Monday, per Cole Parke of 247Sports.com.

Impact Rodriguez, who missed Kentucky's spring showcase in April, now appears healthy and back at practice. The sophomore tight end appeared in seven games last season, recording five receptions for 94 yards.

AUGUST 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out for spring showcase Rodriguez (undisclosed) is out for Kentucky's spring showcase, Aaron Gershon of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact During 2024, Rodriguez completed his freshman year for Kentucky. He has proven himself to be a capable option, so his absence is cause for at least some concern going into the summer.

APRIL 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Kenny Minchey helps No. 12 Kentucky beat Vanderbilt 34-17

Minchey rallies No. 24 Kentucky to 35-34 OT win at South Caroilna

Kentucky turns the page: Will Stein ready after replacing the SEC's longest-tenured coach