Former Kentucky commit Xavier Peters leaving Florida State

Xavier Peters is back on the transfer market, which could be good news for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Peters, a former four-star outside linebacker from West Chester (OH) via the 2018 class, initially entered the transfer portal this offseason, but he eventually decided to stay with the Florida State Seminoles. The Wildcats were a finalist in Peters’ recruitment, but he ultimately took his talents to Tallahassee, where he redshirted this past season after being a late academic qualifier.

Now, Peters is officially leaving Florida State, according to 247 Sports. Peters wants to be closer to home so he can be with his son more. The report also states Peters “will look at schools in the Big Ten and SEC moving forward.”

Peters only appeared in two games for Florida State this season, so he’ll be a redshirt freshman wherever he lands. But unless he gets a waiver for immediate eligibility, he won’t be able to play until he’s a redshirt sophomore in 2020.

If the Wildcats are able to land Peters, he would add to an already impressive defensive class coming in next fall. It would also be a major boost with Kentucky losing Josh Allen to graduation.

Peters obviously has a relationship with the coaching staff at Kentucky. Peters actually committed to play for the Wildcats in the summer of 2017 before flipping to Florida State in January of 2018.

That history with the Kentucky staff, particularly Vince Marrow, has to provide the Wildcats’ staff with an early edge in his new recruitment.