News Summary

Cincinnati’s standout athlete Matt Ponatoski has decided to attend the University of Kentucky, where he will play both football and baseball. A top recruit, Ponatoski chose Kentucky for its proximity to family. He boasts impressive high school statistics, including 4,217 passing yards and 57 touchdowns in football, along with a .462 batting average in baseball. As he prepares for 2026, Ponatoski aims to follow in the footsteps of successful dual-sport athletes.

Cincinnati Welcomes Future Dual-Sport Star: Matt Ponatoski

Excitement is in the air in Cincinnati as Matt Ponatoski, an incredibly talented senior at Moeller High School, has made a thrilling decision to continue his athletic journey at the University of Kentucky. But here’s the kicker: he’s not just going to be playing football. Nope! This young athlete plans to juggle both football and baseball as he steps onto the college stage.

Why Kentucky?

After weighing his options, Ponatoski chose the University of Kentucky over some heavyweight programs like Alabama, Arkansas, and Oregon. This choice didn’t come lightly, especially considering he’s one of the top recruiting prospects in the nation—not only earning the title of the Gatorade Ohio Football Player of the Year but also bagging the Ohio Baseball Player of the Year award!

The decision felt almost surreal for Ponatoski. A significant factor that influenced his choice was the proximity of Kentucky to his family home; it’s just a short two-hour drive away! This means his loved ones can easily attend games and cheer him on—definitely a win-win for all.

Standout Stats and Skills

Ponatoski has showcased immense talent on the field, and his stats speak for themselves. As a quarterback during the 2024 football season, he threw for an eye-popping 4,217 yards, chalked up 57 touchdowns, and kept his interceptions to a mere three! That impressive performance led his team all the way to the state championship game, where they faced Olentangy Liberty High School and fought valiantly, although they fell short with a score of 28-14.

On the baseball diamond, Ponatoski shined brightly as well. He played a crucial role in helping Moeller clinch the state title in 2023 against Olentangy Orange High School, finishing the season with a batting average of .462. Not to mention, he racked up seven doubles, four home runs, and a whopping 37 RBIs—talk about clutch!

What Lies Ahead

As Ponatoski gears up for his first year at Kentucky in the fall of 2026, he’ll be diving into intense action. Kentucky’s football season kicks off in August, and the baseball season starts in February. His commitment not only strengthens the University of Kentucky’s recruiting efforts but also shines brightly against the backdrop of their recent struggles—last season, they finished with a 4-8 record, ending an eight-season bowl eligibility streak.

Despite his dual-sport commitment, Ponatoski’s rising stock as a quarterback remains impressive. Currently ranked as the No. 21 quarterback in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on. He was recently honored as the MVP at the Elite 11 camp Pro Day and has been recognized as one of the twelve finalists at the event.

A Bright Future in Two Sports

He aims to follow in the footsteps of dual-sport athletes like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson, maintaining his status in both football and baseball. In fact, Ponatoski is projected as a possible early-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, where he’s recognized as the No. 1 recruit in Ohio by Prep Baseball Report, boasting a jaw-dropping fastball that can reach up to 97 mph. With his father playing at Northern Kentucky University and being heavily involved in his baseball development, the support system is solid!

Throughout his high school career, he has accumulated impressive numbers in football, with a total of 7,654 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. With all this talent wrapped up in one player, Matt Ponatoski is undoubtedly one of the top prospects to watch as he prepares for his next chapter in Kentucky!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Top Quarterbacks to Watch in Ohio High Schools for 2025
Terry Swopes of Ada High School Named National Coach of the Year
Minnesota High School Football Announces New Districts for 2025
Alton High School Appoints New Girls Basketball Coach
Matt Ponatoski Prepares for College Commitment in Sycamore Township
Michigan High School Football Prepares for QB Battle
Sioux City Baseball Teams Shine in Iowa High School Rankings
High School Football Season Begins for Jefferson Cougars and Huntington Highlanders
Steele Hall Named 2025 Mr. Baseball in Trussville
Windsor Hosts Inaugural Girls Flag Football Tournament

Additional Resources