Kentucky football’s star kick returner, Barion Brown, has been recognized for his outstanding performance this season. Brown has been named a first-team All-American as a kick returner by The Sporting News, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Throughout the regular season, Brown led the Southeastern Conference and ranked second in the nation with an average of 31.7 yards per kickoff return. He also stood out as the only player in the SEC, and one of only five players in the country, to have recorded two kickoff return touchdowns in 2023. These impressive statistics allowed him to tie the Kentucky records for most kickoff return touchdowns in a season (two) and career (three).
In addition to his role as a kick return specialist, Brown showcased his versatility on the field. He led the UK team in pass receptions, with 40 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed with three punt returns for 51 yards, averaging 17.0 yards per return, and had 10 rushing attempts for 121 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per carry.
Brown’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed by other sources. He received All-America honors from CBS Sports (second team) and College Football Network (third team). He was also recognized as a second-team All-SEC player by the league’s coaches and The Associated Press.
As Kentucky prepares for the 79th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, where they will face No. 22-ranked Clemson, Brown will be a key player to watch. The Wildcats, with a 7-5 record, will take on Clemson, who boast an 8-4 record, on Friday, Dec. 29, in Jacksonville, Florida. The game will kickoff at noon ET at Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium, and it will be televised by ESPN.
Fans have the opportunity to support Kentucky football by purchasing tickets online at UKFootballTix.com or by calling (800) 928-2287, option 4. Kentucky will be located on the west side of EverBank Stadium. Students can find ticket information on the same website. It is encouraged for fans to buy tickets directly from UK Athletics to secure seats with other Kentucky fans and help the university meet its bowl ticket obligations.
Kentucky’s appearance in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl extends their school-record streak of eight consecutive bowl appearances, all under the coaching of Mark Stoops. The Wildcats are among the elite group of only eight teams in the nation, and one of just three in the SEC (alongside Alabama and Georgia), to achieve at least eight consecutive bowl appearances.
For more information on the UK football team, fans can visit ukathletics.com/football and stay updated on the team’s activities through their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and “X,” formerly Twitter.
