Kentucky Football Signee Matt Ponatoski Sets Record with Jaw-Dropping Arm Strength
Kentucky football’s incoming freshman, Matt Ponatoski, has gained national attention not only for his quarterback skills but also for his extraordinary arm strength. The 4-star recruit recently added another remarkable achievement to his growing list of accomplishments, demonstrating why he is considered one of the top dual-sport athletes in the country.
Ponatoski, the standout quarterback for the Cincinnati Moeller Crusaders, was in action during a high-stakes Division I regional semifinal against the St. Xavier Bombers on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Welcome Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Although Moeller narrowly lost 17-13, Ponatoski’s performance on the field highlighted his precision and talent, leaving scouts and fans eager for his college debut.
While his commitment to Kentucky football under Mark Stoops made headlines, Ponatoski’s athletic versatility extends well beyond the gridiron. Both Nick Mingione, Kentucky’s head baseball coach, and Will Stein, the football coach, have expressed excitement about his potential impact in both football and baseball. Ponatoski’s early signing with Kentucky reaffirmed his dedication to the Wildcats, and the coaching staff reportedly has a plan in place to allow him to excel in both sports—a rare opportunity for a student-athlete at this level.
However, the question of whether Ponatoski will actually make it to campus revolves around baseball, specifically the MLB Draft. In a recent showcase with Perfect Game, he demonstrated why scouts are so eager to evaluate him. Ponatoski threw a fastball across the diamond at an astonishing 101 miles per hour, setting a new Perfect Game record. To put that into perspective, such velocity is typically seen in elite professional prospects like Masyn Winn and Elly De La Cruz, both of whom are already in their early twenties. Ponatoski, by contrast, has not yet turned 18.
This exceptional arm has MLB scouts taking notice, as Ponatoski will have a critical decision to make in the coming months. According to baseball draft rules, a high school player who commits to a four-year college is generally bound to that program for three years or until they turn 21. Conversely, a high school or junior college prospect can choose to go professional immediately. This means Ponatoski could either honor his commitment to Kentucky or potentially pursue a professional baseball career if an enticing offer arrives.
For now, Ponatoski’s focus seems to remain on Kentucky, where he is expected to contribute both on the football field as a quarterback and on the baseball diamond. But as the June MLB Draft approaches, the athletic world will be watching closely to see whether this remarkable young talent will begin his professional career straight out of high school or continue developing at the collegiate level.
Regardless of the path he chooses, one thing is undeniable: Matt Ponatoski possesses a record-setting arm that has already captured the attention of football and baseball fans alike.
If you want, I can also make a more punchy, “sports media-ready” version that emphasizes the record-setting throw and dual-sport hype for maximum fan engagement. Do you want me to do that?
