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Kentucky Wildcats 2026 Preview

Kentucky are 1-0 in 2026. They went 5-7 (2-6 in the SEC). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.

2025 record
5-7
Conference
SEC
Preseason rank
Unranked
Community guideFrom the BettorEdge community

What changed for Kentucky in 2026

By Kyle Kommes · co-host of Play Me or Fade Me · from his 2026 College Football Guide, as of July 23, 2026
  • New head coach in Will Stein (Oregon Offensive Coordinator)
  • New offensive coordinator in Joe Sloan (LSU Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach) and defensive coordinator in Jay Bateman (Texas A&M Defensive Coordinator and LB Coach)
  • Starting QB from last season is gone. Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey is expected to start (196 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs)
  • Starting RB from last season is gone. Texas transfer CJ Baxter is expected to start (196 yards, 0 TDs)
  • Top two players from last season are gone, with the top returner being TE Willie Rodriguez (310 yards, 1 TD). Two transfers are expected to start at WR including LSU transfer Nic Anderson (106 yards, 2 TDs) and Southern Utah transfer Shane Carr (744 yards, 4 TDs)
  • No starting offensive lineman return, and four transfers are expected to start
  • Returning four starters on defense, including their top defensive player in S Ty Bryant (76 tackles, 4 INTs)
Read the full 2026 CFB Guide

All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.

Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.

Kentucky Wildcats 2026 schedule

GameOpponentSiteResult
1Youngstown StateHomeW 45-13
2AlabamaHome—
3Texas A&MAway—
4South AlabamaHome—
5South CarolinaAway—
6LSUHome—
7OklahomaAway—
8VanderbiltHome—
9TennesseeAway—
10FloridaHome—
11MissouriAway—
12LouisvilleHome—

Get the printable Kentucky Wildcats 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.

More SEC previews

Alabama Crimson TideArkansas RazorbacksAuburn TigersFlorida GatorsGeorgia BulldogsLSU TigersMississippi State BulldogsMissouri TigersOklahoma SoonersOle Miss RebelsSouth Carolina GamecocksTennessee VolunteersTexas LonghornsTexas A&M AggiesVanderbilt Commodores

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College Football Spreads Explained: Why the Numbers Get So BigHeisman Trophy Odds Explained: How to Bet College Football's Top AwardCollege Football Playoff Odds Explained: How to Bet the CFP Futures

Kentucky Wildcats betting FAQ

What is the Kentucky Wildcats 2026 schedule?

Kentucky Wildcats play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against Youngstown State. The full schedule is listed on this page.

Are the Kentucky Wildcats ranked in the 2026 preseason?

Kentucky is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.

Where can I bet Kentucky Wildcats games?

You can bet Kentucky games on BettorEdge, a peer-to-peer marketplace. Because you trade with other bettors rather than a sportsbook, the price carries no built-in house vig.

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