Kentucky Wildcats overhaul roster ahead of 2026 season under new coach Will Stein
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 3:16 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
The Kentucky Wildcats are undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2026 season with new head coach Will Stein at the helm. After a 5-7 finish last season and the firing of coach Mark Stoops, Stein has brought in 31 transfers, including 13 expected starters. The team's early focus will be on rebuilding the offensive line, which has struggled in recent years, and ensuring that starting quarterback Kenny Minchey can effectively manage the offense. Kentucky's defense is shifting to a 4-2-5 scheme under new coordinator Jay Bateman, who aims to improve last season's defensive performance. The Wildcats will open the season at home against Youngstown State.
- •Will Stein took over as head coach after Mark Stoops' departure.
- •Kentucky brings 31 new transfers, including a revamped offensive line.
- •Kenny Minchey will start at quarterback with no competition behind him.
- •The team's defense is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5 scheme.
- •Kentucky opens the season at home against Youngstown State.
- 3:16 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky's 2026 season to be decided in the trenches, not at QB
"New coach Will Stein brought in 31 transfers to overhaul Kentucky football after back-to-back losing seasons.
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