A poor offensive line. Inconsistent quarterback play. A lot of things led to Kentucky football’s abysmal 2024 season. However, they had the talent to finish better than 4-8, only defeating one power opponent this season. So what could have helped?

Kentucky wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin was asked that question after the Wildcats’ loss to Louisville on Saturday. To his credit, he answered honestly and professionally.

“A lot more leadership,” Maclin said. “Holding guys accountable for things. A lot more discipline for all the guys… All around, players and coaches. We’re still a team, I don’t want to point at any one person or specific group. All around we need better leadership.”

Maclin is a junior and could return for another season. Despite talking about Kentucky taking the next step, he has not made his decision and will be returning home to talk to his family to do so. If Maclin does return, it sounds like Kentucky will have a leader in the receiving room.

Despite being a 1,000-yard receiver at North Texas, Maclin was not targeted often. However, on his 13 receptions, he caught four for touchdowns, the most of any receiver on the team.

Kentucky’s on-field product against Louisville was poor to say the least, sending 99% of Wildcat fans home early. It even sent an injured player from the sideline to get a snack…

Yes, offensive lineman Gerald Mincey, one of Kentucky’s most expensive transfer portal additions, was seen at one of the concession stands at Kroger Field during Kentucky’s 41-14 defeat.

Gerald Mincey walked from the sideline to the concession stand mid game…

Reinvesting that NIL money back into the program.pic.twitter.com/1vCHNqavgN— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) November 30, 2024

Watching a 4-8 team is bad, but even worse to do on an empty stomach.

Mincey is a senior and will not be returning next season, but it is nice to see him reinvesting some money back into the program.

Vince Marrow is considered to be one of the best recruiters in college football, which is why he is often mentioned when recruiting positions come open at other schools, most recently Michigan and Michigan State. Both of these openings led to Marrow becoming one of the highest-paid non-coordinator assistants in the nation.

On Sunday evening, rumors began to swirl that Marrow may be considering taking a similar position at Louisville. While an official offer was never made public, Marrow will remain in Lexington according to Matt Jones.

With Marrow staying, as of now, the football program is still working under the assumption that Mark Stoops will be on the sideline next season for the Wildcats.