Northern Illinois LB Daveren Rayner Transferring to Kentucky

The Indianapolis native is joining his former teammate Marques Cox in Lexington next season.

Offensive line additions aside, Kentucky football has just locked up its biggest win in the transfer portal this offseason. 

On Saturday afternoon, former Northern Illinois linebacker Daveren Rayner announced that he is transferring to Kentucky:

BBN what’s good!? I’m home!! pic.twitter.com/LkihL9nxED

— Daveren 🦧 (@d9veren) May 13, 2023

The Indianapolis native played three seasons for the Huskies, totaling 128 tackles, 71 of which came in 2022. He also has 5.5 sacks to his name. He entered the portal on April 27 and immediately accrued interest from Power 5 programs, including the Wildcats. 

Kentucky earned a visit from the veteran, which occurred over the weekend. A trip to Lexington did the trick, as he's now the second player to make the jump to the Bluegrass from DeKalb, joining offensive tackle Marques Cox, who made the jump following the 2022 season and is expected to be the Cats' starting left tackle this fall.

Defensive coordinator Brad White said during the spring that finding reliable depth behind 2023 starters Trevin Wallace and D'Eryk Jackson was a necessity, calling upon the backups to fill the holes. Kentucky is looking to replace a bulk of talent in the linebacker room, as veteran starters DeAndre Square, Jacquez Jones and Jordan Wright have all departed, looking to start careers in the NFL. 

Rayner is expected to play a big part in the LB room, which now has six scholarship players heading into the 2023 campaign. Kentucky has had 18 departures via the portal since it originally opened following the end of the 2022 season, but has now brought in 11 new bodies. 

Observations from Kentucky's final open spring practice HERE.

Safety Zion Childress is emerging as a leader on the UK defense

Kentucky landed a 4-star defensive lineman on National Signing Day. More HERE.

WATCH: Kentucky football's transfer portal signees speak to the media

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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