Wrapping up the returning player spotlight series

The returning player spotlight series began with sophomore Hudson Brown on Aug. 11 and continued through late September. Other stories took priority in the meantime, but with a few players left, it's time to put a bow on the series.

The stories up to this point featured three sections: background, projected spot on the depth chart and one big question for the fall. Since fall practice comes to an end on Sunday, this story will instead provide some background and discuss their performance throughout the fall, and how that could affect things moving forward.

Previous player spotlights:

• Hudson Brown
• Ben Cleaver
• Ethan Hindle
• Nate Harris
• Carson Hansen
• Leighton Harris
• Tyler Bell
• Luke Lawrence
• Ryan Schwartz
• Will Marcy

The returning players

• RHP Jaxon Jelkin
• RHP Nile Adcock
• RHP Chase Alderman
• RHP Tristan Hunter
• RHP Cameron Owens
• RHP Oliver Boone
• RHP Tommy Skelding

Jaxon Jelkin

Background: Jelkin was technically on the roster last season, though he couldn't play in games. For one, he was recovering from Tommy John surgery and would not have been healthy enough to pitch. But even if he wasn't injured, Jelkin was ineligible because he transferred to Kentucky mid-year and joined the team in January.

A 6-5, 195-pound redshirt junior from Omaha, Nebraska, Jelkin has pitched at Nebraska, South Mountain Community College and Houston prior to Kentucky. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 14th round following his season at South Mountain, but he honored his commitment to Houston. Jelkin started seven games for the Cougars in 2024 before missing the rest of the season with a torn UCL. Despite the injury, the New York Mets selected him in the ninth round of the MLB draft. The two sides didn't come to an agreement, however, and Jelkin remained in college. He entered the transfer portal in the fall and committed to Kentucky in December. Since he was still draft-eligible, Jelkin had a workout with the San Diego Padres this summer but ultimately chose to withdraw from the draft and return to Kentucky.

Jaxon Jelkin breaks down decision to withdraw from MLB draft

A mid-year transfer from Houston who sat out last season, Jelkin could be a Friday night option for the Wildcats next season.

Bat Cats CentralDerek Terry

How the fall has gone: It's been an encouraging fall for Jelkin. He started the Wildcats' scrimmage against West Virginia and touched 99 miles per hour with his fastball, while sitting in the mid-90s in every other outing I've seen him. He looks healthy, and he's shown an ability to get outs with offspeed pitches as well. Coming out of the fall, Jelkin seems like the favorite to take the mound on opening day and serve as the Wildcats' Friday night starter on weekends.