Three Kentucky football players – Brenden Bates, Jeremy Flax, and Tayvion Robinson – have been selected to participate in the 78th annual Hula Bowl. The game will take place on January 13th at the UCF FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET. This prestigious event is known as the Nation’s Premier College Football All-Star Game, and it provides an opportunity for top scout players from NFL, XFL, USFL, and CFL teams to showcase their skills during the Hula Bowl week.
Brenden Bates, a native of Cincinnati, had an impressive career as a tight end for the Wildcats. He played in 58 games, making 25 starts, and recorded 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Off the field, Bates excelled academically, graduating with a degree in consumer economics and family financial counseling in August 2022. He then went on to earn a second degree in communication in December 2023.
Jeremy Flax, hailing from Detroit, was a key player on Kentucky’s offensive line. In his three seasons with the Wildcats, he played in 36 games, starting in 24 of them. Flax was recognized for his outstanding performance on the Big Blue Wall, and he was listed on the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award, which is given to the nation’s best offensive line, in five of the last six seasons. This year, Flax was named the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week and the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week after his impressive display against No. 22 Florida. He graded at 87 percent and recorded five knockdown blocks in the 33-14 victory.
Tayvion Robinson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, joined the Wildcats in 2022. Throughout his collegiate career, he played in 60 games, making 56 starts. Robinson finished his career with impressive statistics, recording 194 receptions for 2,604 yards and 15 touchdowns (14 receiving, one punt return TD). He also contributed on special teams, with 67 punt returns for 639 yards. During his time at Kentucky, Robinson proved himself to be a valuable asset, ranking in the top 25 on the NCAA’s active career lists for receptions (23rd) and receiving yards (21st). He recorded all three of his career 100-yard games with the Wildcats, amassing a total of 1,049 receiving yards in 26 games, which ranks 33rd on UK’s all-time receiving yards list.
The Hula Bowl has a rich history, dating back to 1946, and it has featured numerous legendary players over the years. Former Heisman Trophy winners such as Merlin Olsen, Vince Ferragamo, Ricky Williams, and Deion Sanders have participated in the game. Other notable players include Fran Tarkenton, Dan Marino, Eric Dickerson, Jim Plunkett, Tony Dorsett, Drew Brees, and many more.
Fans who are interested in attending the Hula Bowl can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster. It promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the talents of these Kentucky football players alongside other top prospects from around the country.
