After taking time to think about his future after the Music City Bowl, junior linebacker Josh Allen announced that he will return to UK for his senior season, and will not declare for the NFL Draft.

This comes as a surprise to some, as Allen received some national attention in the middle of the season for his impressive play. Allen was once considered a first round pick, but he has instead elected to play out his final season as a Wildcat.

Allen will be one of UK’s top defensive players next season on a defense that’ll lose Courtney Love, Naquez Pringle and Kendall Randolph due to graduation. UK could also lose Mike Edwards, Denzil Ware and Jordan Jones to the NFL Draft, as they have yet to make a decision on their future.

Allen finished the season as UK’s leader in tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hurries and forced fumbles. Allen was also the team’s fourth leading tackler behind Edwards, Love and Darius West.

Allen collected seven tackles in the Music City Bowl to be UK’s fourth leading tackler. Allen’s best game of the season was arguably against Eastern Michigan when Allen finished with seven tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Allen recorded a sack in seven of UK’s 13 games this season.