FROM PORT HURON TO THE SEC

Port Huron (Mich.) Northern four-star tight end Lincoln Watkins has been on recruiting boards for years. Now, the Class of 2026 standout has made it official: he’s headed to the University of Kentucky.

Watkins — a 6′4″, 233-lb two-way force — chose the Wildcats over top-tier offers from Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, and more, citing Kentucky’s unmatched culture and rising SEC presence as key reasons behind his commitment.

FIRST STEPS

Lincoln’s athletic journey began not on the football field, but on the baseball diamond and basketball court. His dad encouraged him to play football early, but his mom had her hesitations. It wasn’t until middle school that Lincoln finally strapped on the pads — and from that moment on, he was all in. Football became more than a sport — it became a passion.

MENTALITY

Nicknamed “Big Link,” Lincoln embraces the full process — from training and recovery to film study and leadership. He studies NFL tight ends like Sam LaPorta and T.J. Hockenson, modeling his game on their toughness, route-running, and versatility. Whether it’s blocking, catching, or defending, Lincoln brings a mindset built for the next level.

Junior Season:
39 Rec for 668 yards
39 Rushes for 245 yards
42 Total Tackles
17 Touchdowns
72/78 First downs for touches on the ball@RisingStars6 @FballPhn @AllenTrieu @LemmingReport @SWiltfong_ @Birm @GregSmithRivals https://t.co/IMEb5oELUl

— Lincoln Watkins 4✰ (@LinkWatkins2026) November 7, 2024

PLAYER PROFILE

• Hight/Weight: 6′4″, 233 lbs
• Primary Position: Tight End
• Secondary Roles: Outside Linebacker / Safety
• High School: Port Huron Northern (MI)
• National Ranking: No. 16 TE in the country (Rivals)
• Offers Received: 30+ — including Florida, Penn State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Duke
• Committed: June 21, 2025 — University of Kentucky

JUNIOR SEASON IMPACT

Lincoln’s junior year was a showcase of production, toughness, and two-way versatility:

• 39 Receptions
•  668 Receiving Yards
• 17 Total Touchdowns
• 245 Rushing Yards
• 42 Tackles on Defense

Whether stretching the field as a hybrid TE or holding the edge as a linebacker, Lincoln was a difference-maker in every phase of the game.

VERIFIED THROUGH THE SDS APP

SDS – Player Profile

Lincoln’s recruiting journey took a leap forward after attending the SDS Detroit Combine in Spring 2025. Using the Signing Day Sports app, he recorded verified testing metrics, position-specific skill videos, and live combine performance data — all shared directly with college coaches.

“The SDS app helped me showcase more than just my highlights. Coaches saw my real-time movement, how I train, and who I am as a player.”

— Lincoln Watkins

This verified data helped separate Lincoln from the pack, offering credibility that played a major role in his 30+ offers — and ultimately, his SEC commitment.

WHY KENTUCKY?

Lincoln’s decision came down to one word: family. After a late official visit to Lexington, everything clicked.

“These coaches are nothing like I’ve experienced before. The culture is unmatched.”

— Lincoln Watkins

The bond he built with Tight Ends Coach Derek Shay and the vision shared by Coach Mark Stoops gave Lincoln confidence that Kentucky was the right fit — both on and off the field. In a rising SEC program with a growing tight end tradition, he saw a future he wanted to be part of.

SDS EFFECT

Lincoln Watkins checks every box: production, size, versatility, leadership, and humility. With a chip on his shoulder and a team-first mindset, he’s not just another recruit — he’s a future playmaker in the SEC.

He’s also the kind of athlete the Signing Day Sports platform was built to support — one who turns opportunity into momentum and vision into legacy.