Will Stein, a man of the people, is not only keeping the Louisville game -- but wants

[Matt Dillon]

The shift to the nine-game SEC schedule is set to begin in 2026, setting up a historically difficult slate for Will Stein in his first season leading the Kentucky Wildcats. Youngstown State on September 5 and South Alabama on Sept. 26 are the only cupcakes you’ll find out of 12, with the Governor’s Cup waiting for the Cats and the Louisville Cardinals to put a bow on the year on November 28. Elsewhere, it’s varying levels of haymakers to the jaw within the best league in college football, starting with Alabama on Sept. 12.

Ready or not, here comes the competition, Coach Stein. Time to see what you’ve got — and that’s exactly the way he wants it, telling KSR back in March that it’s why he left his cushy post as the best play-caller in college football at Oregon to take on the grind of leading his own program in the SEC. There is no better way to challenge yourself as a coach.

Will Stein, a man of the people, is not only keeping the Louisville game - but wants it moved back up - On3

[TrueblueCATfan]

He definitely has his work cut out for him in year one
What a brutal schedule
I'm excited to see what he can do

[Jaxcat]

Mixed feelings about playing UofL first game. Certainly under Stoops, we looked very shaky in most openers and the UofL game is important to the program. But, more than likely, you'd be at full strength Game 1 vs slogging through an 11-game slate before playing the Cards. For the fans, sitting out in late August weather during the middle of the day is extremely uncomfortable while late November can be cold and nasty but, often, is in the 40s or higher and not that bad. TBH, playing UofL at all when we now have 9 SEC games seems a bit much. But, I know the fans of both teams like to see them play. Doubt it generates much excitement outside the Commonwealth, though.

[largebluej]

I love Stein's enthusiasm but that game needs ro stay at the end of season.

[fastkat]

ESPN will have the last say as to when the UofL game is played. So it probably continue to be the last game.

[WeWant9]

ESPN will have the last say as to when the UofL game is played. So it probably continue to be the last game.

Yeah, don't they market the last week as "rivalry week" or something?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, don't they market the last week as "rivalry week" or something?

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

I know there's a lot of people that don't agree with me, and that's ok, but I wouldn't care if we dropped UofL. UT is my rivalry game, always has been & always will be.

[fastkat]

I know there's a lot of people that don't agree with me, and that's ok, but I wouldn't care if we dropped UofL. UT is my rivalry game, always has been & always will be.

I agree. I would venture to say that most older fans feel the same way. And the way the UT fans act when they are up here I'd say it's a big game for them.

[largebluej]

I know there's a lot of people that don't agree with me, and that's ok, but I wouldn't care if we dropped UofL. UT is my rivalry game, always has been & always will be.

Couldn't agree with you more.