KSR Today: Happy Fourth of July!

On this date 248 years ago, a bunch of wealthy landowners clad in powdered whigs and knickers gathered in a steamy Philadelphia meeting room to commit treason. Each year on the Fourth of July we celebrate their bravery on Independence Day.

America’s birthday is celebrated in a variety of ways. Unfortunately for many across the Bluegrass State, Mother Nature may prevent you from enjoying the outdoors in a body of water or beneath fireworks. Rain is in the forecast for most around the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Have no fear! If you’re stuck inside twiddling your thumbs, you will still have plenty to look forward to today on Kentucky Sports Radio. We abide by Bill Belichick’s philosophy, “No days off.” It may be a little lighter on posts, but trust me, there’s still plenty to look forward to today.

Kentucky Adds a Four-Star Defensive Linemen

The good times are rolling for the Kentucky football recruiting department. For the second consecutive day, the Wildcats picked up a four-star defensive lineman when Kalen Edwards announced his commitment to the Cats. A one-time Auburn commit, the West Tennessee native officially visited the Tigers, Louisville, and Memphis before ultimately deciding to make the move to his old Kentucky home.

Edwards is the 16th addition to the Cats’ 2025 recruiting class, which now ranks 20th nationally. He is a heavy-handed nose guard that is just what the Cats are looking for on the defensive line. He tells Jacob Polacheck of KSR+ that he plans on enrolling early. We’ll have more from that conversation later this morning.

Two Fourth of July Announcements

There may be more good news on the horizon for the Wildcats. Kentucky is a finalist for two talented football prospects. Samari Reed, a three-star wide receiver from Florida, is choosing between the Cats, Ole Miss, Penn State, Clemson, and West Virginia. It’s unclear which way he’s leaning. We have a much better feeling about Kentucky’s chances for Jermiel Atkins, an enormous offensive tackle from Dayton who also officially visited Arizona State, Minnesota, and Virginia Tech. He’ll be choosing at approximately 4 pm EST and we’ll have it all covered here on KSR.

A Fourth of July without Joey Chesnut

Is it the Fourth of July if Joey Chesnut isn’t guzzling down dogs at Coney Island? That will be put to the test this afternoon when the best eater in the history of humanity is sidelined from Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Competition. Who’s the next star that will rise to the occasion? We’ll find out at noon on ESPN2.

JJ Weaver Uses His Voice

JJ Weaver has turned a negative into a positive. While struggling through heartbreak, the talented EDGE from Louisville is using his grief to inspire others in need.

Kentucky Football is Hiring

For some, the holiday weekend is just another day. If you’re unemployed, or gainfully employed and seeking other opportunities, Kentucky football might have just what you’re looking for. The Wildcats are looking for someone proficient in the Adobe suite to add to their creative team this fall. You could be next the mastermind behind recruiting graphics. Here are more details about the position.

Twin Towers on Campus

When Mark Pope poses for pictures with Kentucky fans, the former Wildcat forward typically towers over them. This time, he’s looking up at the guy next to him. Shagari Alleyne, a 7-foot-3 center who played for Tubby Smith from 2003-06, stopped by the Craft Center on Tuesday, producing a heartwarming photo for Kentucky fans from a certain generation.

Pope is out of office for the holiday weekend. The Kentucky head basketball coach is across the pond, creating a bit of an ironic Independence Day celebration.