New-look Cats building on program's past

The Kentucky football program is ready to flip the page to a new era, but not before the Wildcats recognize the ones that came before them.

First-year head coach Will Stein spent some time over the weekend connecting with members of the 1976 UK squad that went 8-4 and claimed a share of the Southeastern Conference championship a the only league title in Kentucky history.

aGreat seeing (UK Football) LEGENDS Jerry Blanton, Derrick Ramsey, and Art Still today,a Stein posted on social media Friday.

a1976 SEC Champions.a With the 1976 team earning acclaim on the 50th anniversary of its program-setting performance, along with Stein looking to forge his own path through UK lore, the Cats are hoping the past can serve as inspiration moving forward.

Stein and his staff have hit the ground running in Lexington.

After picking up a top-10 transfer class for 2026, theyare now seeing positive results both in practice and on the recruiting trail.

For Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey, whoas set to take over under center for the Cats this fall, the hard work will eventually lead to development and success.

aI think itas been great,a Minchey said while attending the Manning Passing Academy this week in Louisiana.

aI think theyave opened my mind up in terms of how to read concepts a concepts in general, Iave learned a little bit more: things I havenat repped, things I havenat practiced, or things I havenat seen before.

Theyare all over trying to learn what other people are doing, whether it be college or NFL.

Just being able to absorb and be a sponge.a Minchey, who entered the offseason as one of the most-sought transfer quarterbacks, said his decision to choose UK was an easy one.

aThe plan and future that (quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan) and Stein had for the program,a Minchey said about why he liked Kentuckyas vision.

aI want to go play for the best.

And thatas Stein and Sloan.a Kentucky will also look to add more excitement around game days this season after releasing the 2026 fan themes and promotional schedule for home games at Kroger Field: Sept.

5 against Youngstown State (white out); Sept.

12 vs.

Alabama (stripe out); Sept.

26 against Southern Alabama (blue and white); Oct.

10 versus LSU (blue out); Oct.

24 vs.

Vanderbilt (blue out); Nov.

14 against Florida (black out) and Nov.

28 against Louisville (blue out).