Kentucky QB signee Matt Ponatoski faces MLB Draft deadline as decision looms in July

[Matt Dillon]

Kentucky recently recorded a very big recruiting win in the 2027 high school cycle. Jake Nawrot was Will Stein‘s first official addition at quarterback. But an inherited commit also counts. Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller quarterback Matt Ponatoski stuck with his UK pledge after the coaching change. Now the blue-chip prospect and Elite 11 finalist has a decision to make.

That decision will happen soon.

Ponatoski is finishing up his senior year and that means finishing the baseball season. This multi-sport athlete still has a decision to make. Play football and baseball at Kentucky? Or enter the MLB Draft? We are getting close to official decision-making mode. The 2026 prospect went on record about that upcoming decision and what his process is as the school year comes to an end.

Kentucky QB signee Matt Ponatoski faces MLB Draft deadline as decision looms in July - On3

[Matt Dillon]

At one time it seemed as if he was definitely coming to UK. Now he doesn't sound so sure. I guess it depends on where he lands in the draft.

[Jaxcat]

I'm guessing he's receiving some hefty NIL dollars. How high up would he need to be drafted for MLB to fork over more? UK baseball is no slouch. I'd guess it's equivalent to high A or maybe AA ball, so he's not missing out on development by staying and playing both sports. Hard to say which one could be the more lucrative and a better long-term solution.