Kentucky’s Ray Davis Declares for 2024 NFL Draft

The Wildcats’ running back has made his future plans known.

Kentucky running back Ray Davis announced his plan to enter the 2024 NFL draft on Monday.

The Wildcats running back tweeted a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) about his “dream” of playing in the NFL.

“After long talks with my family and friends, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft,” Davis wrote. “This has always been a dream of mine and is a challenge I’m ready to take on. Forever the underdog. #1 Signing out.”

In Kentucky’s fifth consecutive victory against Louisville in the Governor’s Cup on Saturday, Davis finished with 14 carries for 76 yards and one touchdown while catching four passes for 51 yards and two touchdown receptions. 

Davis also recorded his 20th touchdown of the season in the 38–31 victory, eclipsing former Wildcats running back Benny Snell for the most touchdowns (19) during a single season in program history.

Ray Davis has declared for the NFL Draft, no word on if he will play in the bowl game or not. #BBN pic.twitter.com/UhqQi78mxu

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 27, 2023

Davis registered 186 carries for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season. The 24-year-old started his career at Temple and played two seasons for the Owls before transferring to play two seasons at Vanderbilt, and then going to Kentucky.

“Thank you to Vanderbilt and Temple for taking a chance on me and molding me into the player and man I am today,” he wrote in his statement. “The journey has led me to many blessings and greater things ahead.”

Davis amassed 733 carries for 3,563 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 4.9 yards per carry during his five-year college career. Additionally, he compiled 90 receptions for 756 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

Although Kentucky (7–5, 3–2 SEC) has secured postseason bowl eligibility, it is not certain if Davis will play in the program’s bowl game at this time.