Kentucky Wildcats News: Could Matt Ponatoski still end up with the Cincinnati Reds?

July 17, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Moeller Crusaders quarterback Matt Ponatoski (7) runs the ball in the first half of a Division I regional semifinal high school football game between the St. Xavier Bombers and Moeller Crusaders, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Welcome Stadium in Dayton, Oh. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kentucky Football freshman Matt Ponatoski has arrived in Lexington in time for preseason training camp, giving off the impression that he plans to further develop his football career rather than entering Major League Baseball after hearing his name called in the 18th round of last weekend’s MLB draft.

Visit livefromquarantine.club for more information.

However, according to Mike Dyer — a high school sports reporter for WCPO in Cincinnati — the former Moeller baseball AND football star has NOT ruled out playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

Moeller grad Matt Ponatoski arrived in Lexington Wednesday and is prepared to start his University of Kentucky football career. The former Moeller baseball and football star hasn’t ruled out the Cincinnati Reds yet after being drafted in the 18th round (UK Athletics photo). @wcpo pic.twitter.com/6fQdHB9S5b
— Mike Dyer (@MikeDyer) July 16, 2026

With Kenny Minchey coming in from Notre Dame, the Wildcats have their starting QB.

However, Ponatoski has the natural ability and clear path to seriously compete for the QB2 job this season.

His extreme athleticism, combined with the ability to also operate from inside the pocket, would be extremely valuable if Minchey were to be injured or not play up to standards.

But if Ponatoski ends up looking to play for the Reds and bypassing the opportunity to play for the UK football program, that would be a massive loss both in the present time as well as the future.

Thankfully, all signs point to Ponatoski playing for UK and being a dual-sport athlete for both UK football and baseball.