Kentucky football ranks 13th in SEC following opening week victory

The Kentucky Wildcats opened their 2026 season with a 45-13 victory over Youngstown State on Saturday. While the offense performed well under the direction of Kenny Minchey and an effective running game, coach Will Stein noted the defense struggled to generate a consistent pass rush. Kentucky enters the SEC rankings at 13th place as the conference begins the season with a collective 16-0 record. Other SEC programs also opened with dominant wins, including notable performances from Mississippi State, Florida, and Tennessee. Future defensive improvement remains a priority for Kentucky as the schedule toughens. The team aims to address its defensive gaps as it prepares for upcoming matchups against stronger conference opponents.

• 6:17 PMYahoo Sports — Where is Kentucky in SEC football power rankings after week one