Kentucky junior defensive back Maxwell Hairston etched his name in Wildcat history Thursday night, selected 30th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. The 6-foot-1, 186-pound star from West Bloomfield, Michigan, becomes the first UK defensive back to go in the opening round and the 19th Wildcat first-rounder overall. Under coach Mark Stoops, Hairston is the fourth first-round pick, joining Josh Hines-Allen, Alvin “Bud” Dupree, and Jamin Davis. In 32 games, he tallied 89 tackles, six interceptions—three returned for touchdowns, tying a school record—and 10 pass breakups. Despite missing five games in 2024, he earned Second Team All-SEC honors. A 2023 standout with five interceptions, Hairston also graduated with a degree in community leadership and development. The NFL Draft continues Friday and Saturday in Green Bay. photo courtesy UK Athletics.
Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston Drafted 30th Overall by Buffalo Bills in 2025 NFL Draft
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