Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key is set to enter the transfer portal ahead of his senior season, making the announcement on Instagram Wednesday evening.
In his statement, Key expressed deep gratitude for his time at the University of Kentucky: “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program and community. The experiences, memories, and relationships I’ve gained here will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He continued, thanking coaches, teammates, and the entire Kentucky staff for their support throughout his journey: “Most importantly, I want to thank God for guiding me on this journey and blessing me with the chance to grow both as an athlete and an individual. After careful reflection and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my final year.
Over his three seasons in Lexington, Key accumulated 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns. He ranks fifth in Kentucky’s history for all-time receiving yards and 13th in total receptions. He set the program’s freshman record for touchdown receptions with six in 2022 and posted a career-high 715 yards as a junior, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. Key had caught a pass in 19 consecutive games, until an upper-body injury forced him to leave this year’s Kentucky-Louisville game early.
The transfer portal officially opens on December 9. During his time with the Wildcats, Key played under three different offensive coordinators (Rich Scangarello, Liam Coen, and Bush Hamdan) and two wide receiver coaches (Scott Woodward and Daikiel Shorts Jr.), with Shorts reportedly departing for a similar role at Nebraska.
A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, Key was a 4-star recruit in 2022 and the top-rated prospect in Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over South Carolina, Michigan, and Oregon. His father, Donte, played linebacker and defensive end for Kentucky from 1992-95, and his brother, Devon, played football at Western Kentucky University.