Football

OPINION: Kentucky Can Actually Compete in the SEC This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2025

Isaiah Pinto | KY Insider

Sitting at 2-1 and heading into a bye week, while having a very “competitive” and teachable game against Ole Miss, Kentucky now faces a stretch of conference foes on its schedule that doesn’t look very pretty at first glance.

Yet, if you take a deeper dive into the upcoming games, there is room to argue in favor of Kentucky potentially being able to go toe to toe with some of the upcoming teams.

Offensively, the Wildcats finally have some mojo with Cutter Boley creating primetime plays and Seth McGowan running like he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Defensively, despite the personnel and chunk play issues, Brad White has historically mustered up serviceable game plans, especially at home against teams such as Georgia and Florida.

It obviously is hard to hash out exactly how Kentucky will fair for the rest of the season, given the inconsistency issues with the offensive coordinating and having some of the guys banged up, including running back Dante Dowdell and quarterback Zach Calzada, but that’s part of the game and can plaque any team.

Ironically, that leads right into Kentucky’s next opponent on Sept. 27, where it will travel to Columbia, South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks. South Carolina’s highly-touted quarterback LaNorris Sellers suffered a head injury against Vanderbilt, taking a nasty hit before halftime. There is still yet to be any true updates regarding his availability, but one can assume he likely has a concussion, which would put him on the block against Kentucky.

Point proven, a Gamecocks team without Sellers is very beatable, whether it’s on the road or not. Mark Stoops and the Wildcats could pull this one off, despite the recent failures against their rivals in past seasons.

Next, you have Georgia on the schedule, which its name alone should strike fear into every opponent. There’s no true “matchup nightmare” for the Bulldogs, not one at all honestly. Georgia will always likely be heads and shoulders above Kentucky, but history is the biggest indicator of a great head-to-head battle reoccurring every season, and these two do just that.

Kentucky hasn’t beat Georgia since 2009. Yikes. Several times since then however, the Wildcats have only lost by one score. Can they actually defeat Georgia? No, not a chance, but they definitely can make it a competitive matchup and once again, leave Kirby Smart having to dial up one final gut punch to send the Wildcats home. Maybe even Stoops will punt the ball again with several minutes left in the game.

Serving another bye week, the Wildcats will then host the Texas Longhorns in Arch Manning’s first ever game at Kroger Field. Speaking of Manning, he has been extremely underwhelming to start the season, struggling against the defending champions and only leading the Longhorns to 27 points against UTEP. Manning threw for 11/25 (44%) on Sept. 13, also throwing an interception.

Again, Texas is head and shoulders above the Cats in every aspect, but Kentucky may be able to shock the nation and shut down the Manning bandwagon at home, leading to yet another one or two score game.

Keeping things at home, Kentucky will host the rival Tennessee Volunteers. This is the Cleveland Browns vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. This is North Carolina vs. Duke. This is the rivalry game where truly, anything can happen.

Before this game, the Volunteers will be coming off of a week in Tuscaloosa where they very well could lose to the Crimson Tide. A night game in Lexington after a deflating defeat is just screaming for back-to-back losses for the Vols, making for another instant classic between the two.

Finally, the Wildcats will go back on the road to face junior quarterback Jackson Arnold and the Auburn Tigers. Arnold, since his days at Oklahoma, has only been a “run first” type of quarterback and doesn’t necessarily air it out against defenses. So far this year, his longest pass is only for 32 yards against the South Alabama Jaguars.

This could be a sluggish and low-scoring matchup, the type of game Kentucky thrives in.

Before a “guaranteed win” type of game against Tennessee Tech, the Wildcats will host the Florida Gators, who are coming off of a dreadful performance against LSU where quarterback DJ Lagway threw five interceptions.

Recent history shows that the Wildcats can keep it close with Florida and even beat them given the circumstances of the game. To add the bout being in Lexington, Kentucky could very well send the Gators back home with another unexpected loss.

The final SEC matchup for Kentucky features a road game against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Kentucky holds a 48-44-1 all-time record against Vandy, splitting wins in the past four games.

Vanderbilt has rebuilt itself brick by brick, both in football and basketball, to be a true competitor in every game. For years, the Commodores were the laughing stock of the SEC, along with the Wildcats. This is a pride war to cap off the conference schedule. Anything could happen in this one.

To cap things off, I do not by any means think the Wildcats can actually beat some of these teams, I just highlighted the silver lining of each matchup and at least anticipate a Boley-led team to put up points and give any defense a long and unexpected day.

Kentucky is on a long and dreadful conference losing streak and they all understand the importance of changing the narrative of the program, at least, I assume.

All the Cats need is a singular SEC win, and technically, they’re set up for an “improvement” season. I likely have too much animosity; all it takes is one stinking win.

Football

Kentucky Football’s Kenny Darby and Lance Heard Secure SEC Weekly Honors

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2026

Micah Glaser

Photo via Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

On Monday, Oct. 5, freshman wide receiver Kenny Darby and six-foot-six, 325-lb senior Lance Heard both earned Southeastern Conference honors after their performances against South Carolina in week five.

Darby, with 12 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, earned Freshman of the Week honors and set a new Kentucky program record for the most receptions in a single game by a freshman wide receiver.

Kenny Darby through 5 games as a TRUE FRESHMAN:

25 REC
322 YDS
3 TD
12.9 YPC

The future is VERY bright in Lexington. #FeedTheStuds pic.twitter.com/GGQKXhR757— Steins Studs (@SteinsStuds) October 4, 2026

The true freshman also helped the Wildcats claw back and achieve the largest road-win comeback in school history.

Trailing 17-0 at halftime, Darby transformed Kentucky’s offense with 10 catches for 82 yards in the second half alone.

He opened the third quarter with a 17-yard touchdown, then a 22-yard reception in the fourth quarter to tie the game.

Darby’s ability to create explosive plays in high-pressure situations gave Will Stein and his team the push they needed to secure the win in overtime.

Additionally, Heard was awarded SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his blocking up front against the Gamecocks.

The top grader on the UK line (81%) allowed no sacks and had five knockdown blocks, helping Kentucky secure 394 total yards on offense.

Our @PFN365 highest-graded LTs in Week 5:

Lance Heard, Kentucky: 89.0
Jacarrius Peak, South Carolina: 86.6
Niki Prongos, Stanford: 85.3
John Mills, Washington: 85.3
Jo Simmons, Auburn: 85.3
Jacob Booth, Central Michigan: 85.0
David Sanders Jr., Tennessee: 85.0
Ashton Tripp,… pic.twitter.com/GBcmmn4429— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 4, 2026

Kentucky’s fourth-and-one conversion to earn a first down came specifically through Heard at left tackle.

Allowing zero sacks, the senior anchored the Wildcats’ offense to open the gateway for the second-half comeback.

The Wildcats, now 4-1 overall, are making a statement in conference play, with Darby and Heard making game-changing plays against high-level defensive lines.

Stein’s team delivered a cohesive offense, and Heard’s penalty avoidance also gives fans hope as they push through the conference season.

Kentucky plays again at home against No. 10 LSU on Saturday, Oct.10, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Football

Kentucky vs. South Carolina: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Betting Odds/Predictions

Published

4 days ago

October 3, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Photo via Sydney Yonker | UK Athletics

We are now a third of the way into the first season of the Will Stein era. Entering October with a 3-1 record shows some early signs of progress, but Kentucky’s schedule is about to become considerably more difficult, starting on Saturday, as the Wildcats travel to Columbia to take on Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. The first of a seven-game stretch against SEC opponents.

Coming off a 4-8 season a year ago, South Carolina entered 2026 with expectations of a bounce-back year, returning an SEC-best 68% of total production and 76% of offensive production. However, that has not been the reality thus far.

Sitting at 2-2 on the season, 0-2 in SEC play, the Gamecocks have lost 11 of their last 13 games to Power 4 opponents, including seven straight. Things hit a new low last Saturday in a 49-18 loss to Alabama. Top NFL prospect Dylan Stewart threw a punch and has been penalized and subsequently suspended for this weekend’s game.

It feels their fanbase is at a tipping point with head coach Shane Beamer due to lack of consistency and development. A tale similar to the end of the Mark Stoops era.

That said, Kentucky has lost four straight to South Carolina and are an underdog in this game. For all the optics, Will Stein and the Wildcats still have their own questions to answer, and they have an opportunity to make a statement this weekend and gain more momentum before a matchup with LSU on October 10th.

Let’s take a look at the matchup.

Run Defense

If there has been one consistent strength for South Carolina this season, it has been their run offense. Ranked top 15 in rushing offense efficiency, the Gamecocks prioritize the run game to set up the rest of their offense. Running back Matt Fuller, who is 20th nationally in rushing yards this season, leads the charge, but quarterback LaNorris Sellers is one of the better dual-threat options in the SEC.

Playing against another mobile quarterback and strong running back duo, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed and Rueben Owens, the Wildcats were able to hold them to 154 yards combined, forcing Reed to make plays through the air.

The Wildcat defense has been a pleasant surprise this season and will need to play big on Saturday.

Third Down Success

Kentucky has scored 31 or more points in three of their first four games, with Will Stein becoming the first head coach in program history to accomplish that feat. However, the offense has struggled mightily to convert on third down.

Of 39 third-down attempts this season, the Wildcats have only converted on nine. 23 percent. That is dead last in the SEC, 9 percent less than the next closest team, Vanderbilt. It is worth noting that Kentucky has only had 39 third-down opportunities, compared to the league average of 52.86. However, the conversion percentage does not lie.

Winning on the road is tough, especially in the SEC, and Kentucky needs to sustain drives, take the crowd out of the game, and limit the time the dynamic South Carolina offense has on the field.

Win the Turnover Battle

Winning on the road in the SEC often starts with one simple principle: don’t beat yourself. In their one road game, Kentucky had some poor moments, including a missed field goal and a dropped touchdown pass, but they took care of the ball. This season, they have a +3 turnover margin. Meanwhile, South Carolina is -4 for the year.

LaNorris Sellers has a strong arm, but his accuracy is inconsistent, and he has struggled with ball security. Throwing four interceptions this year, which is top 30 nationally, Kentucky’ssecondary could play a big part. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will want him to feel the pressure. However, Kentucky QB Kenny Minchey must remain poised himself, 8 TDs to 1 INT, and continue to avoid mistakes.

If Kentucky can win the turnover battle, they’ll put themselves in a much better position to leave Columbia with a win.

Key Players

QB LaNorris Sellers, 6-3, 238 lbs

833 passing yards
244 rushing yards
6 TDs – 4 INTs

RB Matt Fuller, 5-11, 221 lbs

384 rushing yards
6.7 YPC
4 TDs

Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Game Time: 4:15 PM EST on October 3, 2026
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina
TV Channel: SEC Network will have the coverage for this game.
Announcers: Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, and Michella Chestere will have the call.
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Network.
Satellite Radio: XM Channel 203, Sirius Channel 98, Internet Channel 966
Replay: ESPN+ and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | SC
Stats to Know: UK | SC
Advanced Stats
Weather.com Forecast: Lower 80s, upper 70s with a strong chance of rain at kickoff.
Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky listed as 2.5-point underdogs, with a point total of 53.5. ESPN gives the Wildcats a 42.1% chance to pull off the road win.
Predictions: TeamRankings and DRatings.com both pick the Gamecocks to win by a field goal, 28-25. This is a series that South Carolina has dominated since COVID, but this is a Gamecock team that appears dysfunctional. For that reason, I am taking Kentucky 27-20.

Send us your score predictions down in the comments section!

And Go Cats!!

Football

South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart Suspended – How Does This Affect Will Stein and Kentucky?

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2026

Thomas Mann

Photo via Sam Wolfe | Special To The State

Following some in-game conflict last Saturday with Alabama tight end Josh Ford, South Carolina announced the suspension of defensive edge Dylan Stewart for one game.

Dylan Stewart has been suspended indefinitely from South Carolina football Shane Beamer announces

Just an awful look

The questions about Stewart continue to rise. Tanking his own draft stock pic.twitter.com/ZZVhJZ8R4E— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) September 27, 2026

Stewart was seen punching Ford, as well as arguing with head coach Shane Beamer. Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey later said that his behavior was “unacceptable and not aligned with the standards of the Southeastern Conference.”

In addition to this, it’s evident that the Gamecocks may be without Stewart after their matchup with Kentucky as well, with Beamer taking the reins on the decision-making process that will allow the star edge rusher to return to the field.

The Southeastern Conference and the University of South Carolina have jointly announced a one-game suspension of South Carolina football student-athlete Dylan Stewart for egregious contact against an opposing player during the September 26 game vs. Alabama:… pic.twitter.com/xmaHI2rCSg— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 28, 2026

Stewart is a key player for the Gamecocks, being named as a Freshman All-American in 2024 and making Second-Team All-SEC in 2025. The absence of this unit could provide a significant advantage for the Wildcats on Oct. 3, considering how well they ran the ball last week.

Kentucky’s offensive line should have a lighter load this time around to allow for more protection of quarterback Kenny Minchey and open the gaps for their runningback trio. Minchey has been sacked eight times so far this season, so the more relaxed this offensive line can be against a lesser opponent, the more things will come easier for Minchey and the receivers.

Historically, Kentucky has not beat South Carolina since 2021 at Williams-Brice Stadium, losing four straight to the Gamecocks since then. With this matchup being a road game as well for the Wildcats, Will Stein’s team is expected to be able to handle the pressure of the environment while the Carolina fans search for their team’s first SEC win.

The blue and white handled the heat of Texas A&M on the road, but South Carolina could be just as much of a challenge, with Stewart on the field, or not. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET from Columbia, South Carolina, streaming live on the SEC Network.