Jeff Badet leaving Kentucky Wildcats to pursue graduate transfer

The Kentucky Wildcats are losing wide receiver Jeff Badet, who announced his plan to transfer on Friday.

Badet, a junior in eligibility, is on track to graduate in May with a degree in agricultural economics and plans to play his final season for another program as a graduate transfer. He posted his decision on Twitter before UK made the announcement via press release.

"I want to thank all the coaches, especially Coach Stoops, for everything they've done for me over the past four years," Badet said. "I also want to thank my brothers on the team and the Big Blue Nation for their support. I just feel like it's the best decision for me to finish my career as a graduate transfer. I'll always be proud of receiving my degree from UK, and I'll bleed blue forever."

In the 2016 season, Badet caught 31 passes for a team-high 670 yards and 21.6-yard average per catch to go with four touchdowns.  His career totals include 82 receptions for 1,385 yards, a 16.9-yard average, and seven touchdowns.

"I appreciate Jeff and the contributions he made to the program during his time here," Stoops said. "We wish him the best of luck in the future."

This is a tough loss for UK, but the Cats do return Garrett Johnson, Dorian Baker, Blake Bone, and Tavin Richardson. Still, none of them are as big of a deep threat as Badet, but he clearly didn't see a great situation for himself at UK if he's leaving like this.