UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — DB
3.83 GPA — Sport Communication
Head Coach: Will Stein | Athletics Director: J Batt
Faculty Athletics Representative: Joseph L. Fink III
A relentless competitor and a highly respected leader, Ty Bryant has established himself as a key player in Kentucky’s success this season while excelling at the highest levels in the classroom. The Lexington, Kentucky, native becomes the Wildcats' fifth NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 2007.
Bryant graduated with a degree in communication from Kentucky in May of 2026 with a 3.83 GPA. He is currently working on a second degree in psychology. A 2025 CSC First Team Academic All-American, he is also a two-time Academic All-District selection, a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and a three-time Dean's List honoree.
A three-year letterman, Bryant earned Second Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after leading Kentucky with 76 tackles and tying for the conference lead with four interceptions. Against Ole Miss last season, he intercepted two passes in the first quarter, becoming the first Wildcat since 1999 with two interceptions in an SEC home game. Bryant turned the trick again in 2026 with two interceptions, including a game-clinching one in the fourth quarter at Oklahoma.
He has continued his strong play in 2026, ranking third on the team and eighth in the SEC with 53 tackles through seven games. He also recorded his first career sack against Alabama and intercepted a pass in Kentucky's overtime victory against No. 10 LSU. Through seven games in 2026, he has amassed 215 career tackles, including five tackles for loss, and eight interceptions. With eight career interceptions, he ranks tied for fifth in career picks among all active FBS players. His three interceptions in 2026 are tied for eighth nationally and second in the SEC.
Bryant helped Kentucky earn a berth in the 2023 Gator Bowl and has served as a game captain multiple times. His leadership in the secondary has contributed to the Wildcats' 6-1 start in 2026 and a No. 12 AP ranking as the Cats are once again bowl eligible.
Beyond the field, Bryant represents his teammates on the SEC Football Leadership Council and Kentucky's Student-Athlete Advisory Council. He has also visited patients at UK Children's Hospital, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the Lexington community. His father, Cisco, played wide receiver at Kentucky under NFF College Football Hall of Fame coach Jerry Claiborne from 1983-85.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
