A total of 98 current and former University of Kentucky student-athletes are set to graduate this week at the May 2026 Commencement ceremonies. This number, combined with the 25 who graduated in December, brings UK Athletics’ total to 123 graduates for the academic year. Among the graduates, three are completing master’s degrees. Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart highlighted the importance of education in college athletics and praised the graduates for their hard work and commitment. The announcement follows the NCAA’s release of UK’s strong Academic Progress Rate, demonstrating the institution’s academic success.

By the Numbers
  • 123 total graduates for the 2025-26 school year, including 98 this week.
  • Overall Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 991 out of 1,000, exceeding the national average of 986.
Yes, But

Despite the strong academic performance, sustaining these high APR scores and graduation rates amidst increasing competition and challenges in student-athlete well-being remains crucial.

State of Play
  • Recent NCAA report shows all University of Kentucky sports teams surpassed the NCAA goal for APR.
  • UK Athletics has maintained a cumulative GPA of over 3.0 for 27 consecutive semesters.
What's Next

Future developments may include continued improvements in academic performance and potential new recruits who align with UK Athletics' commitment to academic success.

Bottom Line

The focus on academic excellence at UK Athletics underscores the importance of education in shaping the future of student-athletes, emphasizing that successful careers extend beyond sports.