After 13 seasons, Mark Stoops has built a long legacy at Kentucky, earning the loyalty of hundreds of players who fought to elevate the program from an SEC doormat to a consistent bowl contender. But after a humiliating loss to South Carolina, that foundation of loyalty is being tested as the program slides back into the conference cellar.
While some former players are defending their coach, others who once bled blue are now taking to social media to voice their frustration, and their words carry the weight of those who built the brand.
Back in the SEC cellar
The frustration stems from a steep and undeniable decline. A program that once took pride in its toughness is now a guaranteed win for most of the conference. The Wildcats have lost 14 of their last 16 SEC games, including seven straight.
Vanderbilt has shown more life, Missouri is miles ahead, and South Carolina now has Stoops’ number. The reality is that Kentucky is once again at the bottom of the league, and the players who fought to escape that reputation are tired of seeing their work undone.
A divided locker room legacy
The growing discontent became public after the loss. Former star wide receiver Garrett "Juice" Johnson, a key player from the team's breakout seasons, didn't mince words, calling the performance simply "embarrassing."
However, the sentiment isn't universal. Former receiver Jeff Badet came to the head coach's defense, shifting blame to the coordinators and players on the field. In a reply to fans blasting Stoops, Badet wrote, "Coordinators make $800k+ plus bro. and guys on the field gotta prepare and make plays. can’t point at one that’s all."
Coordinators make $800k+ plus bro . and guys on the field gotta prepare and make plays . can’t point at one that’s all. https://t.co/a7eadiUBVF
— Jeff Badet (@JeffBadet__) September 28, 2025
No longer shielded by basketball's shadow
For years, Stoops benefited from the turmoil surrounding John Calipari's basketball program. With fans so focused on basketball's struggles, the football team's issues often flew under the radar.
That protection is now gone. With Mark Pope leading a revitalized, popular basketball program that just went to the Sweet 16, the full, undivided attention of Big Blue Nation has turned to the football field. Stoops is now feeling the full brunt of a disengaged and apathetic fanbase, and with former players now speaking out, the pressure is mounting from all sides.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion