Kentucky faces Texas A&M with former coordinator Jay Bateman returning
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 10:20 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Kentucky's defensive coordinator Jay Bateman returns to Kyle Field to face Texas A&M on September 16. Bateman worked at Texas A&M for two seasons and brings familiarity with the Aggies' tactics. Last season, the Wildcats held Alabama to 13 points in the first half but ultimately lost 45-17. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko acknowledged the challenge posed by Bateman and emphasized that all SEC matchups heighten the team's energy as they prepare for the game.
- •Texas A&M ranked ninth in the nation.
- •Kentucky and Texas A&M have played only three times.
- •Bateman seeks defensive autonomy after leaving Texas A&M.
- •Elko has made changes to terminology since Bateman's departure.
- •Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM ET on September 16.
- 10:20 PMYahoo Sports — Former Texas A&M coordinator Jay Bateman returns with Kentucky for SEC showdown in College Station
"Jay Bateman helped build Texas A&M's defense. Now he returns to Kyle Field with Kentucky, and Mike Elko is preparing for what he knows.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Sep 14, 2026, 11:14 PMCruz expects Senate vote on Protect College Sports Act this week or next
NCAAF•Sep 14, 2026, 11:07 PMLSU, Ole Miss plea for 'Southern hospitality' in Kiffin's return
NCAAF•Sep 14, 2026, 11:01 PMHammer and Rails Readers Reacts Survey: Football Improvement
College Sports•Sep 14, 2026, 10:40 PMFSU has questions everywhere. Mike Norvell says answers start at Alabama- NCAAF•Sep 14, 2026, 10:35 PMLane Kiffin can't have it both ways: Either own the ugly Ole Miss exit, or stop trying to rewrite history
College Sports•Sep 14, 2026, 10:34 PMJames Franklin had a cringeworthy press conference exchange with reporter
