May the best man win✊! “Following a Year of Extraordinary Triumphs, One of These Ten Icons Will Be Crowned the 2024 Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year”…
2024 Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year: Top 10 Contenders
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the athletes and figures who left their mark on Kentucky sports this year. The Bluegrass State has seen unparalleled success in basketball, football, horse racing, and more.
While all contenders have achieved incredible things, only one can claim the title of Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 individuals vying for the honor.
1. Devin Leary (Kentucky Wildcats Football)
The star quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats had an electrifying season, leading his team to its best finish in over a decade. Leary’s leadership and clutch performances brought a renewed sense of pride to the program.
With multiple record-breaking games, his contributions to the Wildcats’ resurgence have been monumental.
Why He Could Win: Leary elevated Kentucky football into SEC contention, earning All-SEC honors. His impact was undeniable both on and off the field.
2. Antonio Reeves (Kentucky Wildcats Basketball)
After returning for another season with the Wildcats, Reeves became the heart and soul of the Kentucky basketball team. Leading the squad in scoring and delivering in critical moments, he cemented his legacy as one of the most dynamic players in recent memory.
Why He Could Win: Reeves’ leadership guided Kentucky to a Final Four appearance, solidifying him as a fan favorite and a national star.
3. Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss Head Coach)
Though not directly tied to Kentucky, Lane Kiffin’s tactical rivalry with Kentucky football captured national attention. His strategic clashes with Mark Stoops became must-watch events, with Kiffin’s wit and cunning adding fuel to the fire.
Why He Could Win: Kiffin’s influence on SEC football—and by extension Kentucky sports—can’t be ignored. His rivalry with Kentucky elevated the sport’s excitement in the state.
4. Jacob Toppin (Former Kentucky Wildcat, NBA Rookie)
Toppin made waves after transitioning from college to the NBA in 2024. His professional success served as a testament to the development he underwent at Kentucky, making him an inspiration for current Wildcats.
Why He Could Win: Toppin’s breakout rookie season in the NBA kept Kentucky basketball in the national spotlight.
5. Kellan Grady (Kentucky Basketball Alumnus)
A veteran who continues to shine on the international basketball stage, Kellan Grady represented Kentucky on a global level in 2024. His success overseas inspired current and future Wildcats.
Why He Could Win: Grady’s achievements beyond Kentucky have kept the state in the international basketball conversation.
6. Mark Stoops (Head Coach, Kentucky Football)
Coach Stoops once again proved why he’s one of the best in college football. Leading Kentucky to a high-profile bowl game, Stoops showcased his ability to compete with powerhouse programs while building a winning culture.
Why He Could Win: Stoops’ consistency in elevating Kentucky football has earned him widespread respect and admiration.
7. Acaden Lewis (Basketball Phenom)
The rising basketball star has been a key figure in Kentucky’s basketball future. His commitment to play alongside Otega Oweh in 2025 has fans buzzing with excitement about the program’s trajectory.
Why He Could Win: Lewis represents the next generation of Kentucky basketball greatness, with his 2024 performances setting the stage for an epic career.
8. Connor McGovern (NFL Star, New Orleans Saints)
Kentucky native Connor McGovern had a standout season in the NFL, becoming a cornerstone of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line. His unique backstory, including ties to a $500 million potato empire, adds to his larger-than-life persona.
Why He Could Win: McGovern’s NFL success and intriguing personal story make him a standout figure in Kentucky sports lore.
9. D.J. Wagner (Kentucky Wildcats Basketball)
Wagner’s first year in Lexington lived up to the hype as he proved why he was one of the top recruits in the country. His explosive performances helped the Wildcats contend on the national stage.
Why He Could Win: Wagner’s combination of talent and charisma has made him the face of Kentucky basketball.
10. Secretariat (Legendary Horse Racing Icon)
Though Secretariat’s legacy dates back decades, 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the horse’s legendary Triple Crown victory. Kentucky celebrated its rich horse racing history with events honoring Secretariat’s unparalleled achievements.
Why It Could Win: Secretariat’s enduring legacy is a point of pride for the entire state and a symbol of Kentucky’s sports heritage.
The Case for Each Candidate
Each of these individuals brought something special to Kentucky sports in 2024. Devin Leary and Antonio Reeves delivered unforgettable performances for the Wildcats, while Mark Stoops and Lane Kiffin showcased elite coaching abilities.
Rising stars like D.J. Wagner and Acaden Lewis symbolize the bright future of Kentucky athletics, while established pros like Connor McGovern and Jacob Toppin keep the state’s name in national conversations.
Even Secretariat, though not a contemporary figure, reminds us of the state’s deep-rooted passion for sports.
Who Will Win?
The decision ultimately comes down to how voters define greatness. Is it about on-field success, as seen with Devin Leary and Antonio Reeves? Or is it about legacy, as represented by Secretariat and Mark Stoops? The impact of these figures will be debated long after the winner is announced.
One thing is certain: Kentucky sports fans have much to celebrate as 2024 goes down as one of the most memorable years in the state’s history.
