Kentucky Wildcats
· 2026-07-03
The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for the 2026 season with new head coach Will Stein at the helm.
The team has lost several key players, including quarterback Cutter Boley and leading receiver Kendrick Law.
Their offense was 103rd in total offense last season, with just 341 yards per game and 23 points per game.
As of now, the Wildcats do not have a starting quarterback named for the season, but they've added former Notre Dame backup quarterback Kenny Minchey, FAU quarterback Carson Cruver, and Marshall quarterback JacQai Long through the transfer portal.
Minchey is the highest-rated of the three quarterbacks Kentucky added, according to On3 Sports' transfer portal ratings.
The Wildcats were 67th in the nation in total defense last season, allowing just over 26 points per game.
They've added former Florida safety Jordan Castell, Texas linebacker Elijah Barnes, and Purdue defensive lineman Jamarrion Harkless to their defense.
The team returns its best defensive player from last season, Ty Bryant, who led the team in interceptions with four and tackles with 76.
The Wildcats' next game is against Youngstown State Penguins on September 5, 2026.
Their matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores will be a challenging one, especially with the Commodores' new quarterback Jared Curtis.
The Wildcats will need to improve on both sides of the ball to compete in the SEC.
Their new coach, Will Stein, has a tough task ahead of him, but he's looking to prove doubters wrong.
The team's offense will need to find new playmakers, including a starting quarterback.
The Wildcats have added several new players through the transfer portal, including former Texas running back CJ Baxter and Southern Utah wide receiver Shane Carr.
Their defense will need to step up and make significant improvements to help make up for the lack of offense.
The team's schedule is difficult, but they're looking to make a statement in the SEC.