The pads will be popping sooner than you think. With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, all eyes shift to the Nutter Field House and the start of Spring Practice.
This isn't just a standard spring, though. It is the first true look at the new direction of the program under Will Stein. Here are the three burning questions we need answered.
1. Who is WR1?
The wide receiver room has been completely overhauled. The staff hit the portal hard, bringing in Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame) to be QB1, but who is he going to throw to?
- The Battle: It looks like a three-way race between freshman Kenny Darby, returning sophomore DJ Miller, and transfer Nic Anderson.
- The Question: Can Minchey develop enough chemistry with his new WR room fast enough to execute Will Stein's offense the way he likes for it to be run? The timing has to be there, and it will be a tight squeeze.
2. How fast can the offense be installed?
Speaking of Stein's offense, Kentucky fans have been clamoring for a modern offense, and they are about to get it. But tempo takes time.
The new system relies on quick reads, spacing, and rhythm, things that often look messy in the first few weeks of practice. The burning question is whether the offensive line, which is in a total rebuilding phase, can get up to speed fast enough to protect the quarterbacks during the install.
3. Who steps up on defense?
The defense is going to look totally different under Jay Bateman. The pressure is going to really be more present, and the Cats need someone to step up to get to the QB.
The spring is huge for the next wave of pass rushers. We need to see who emerges as the new "game wrecker" up front. If the pass rush doesn't take a step forward, then it could be a long season.
Spring practice usually starts during the second week of March with the Spring Game in April.