In a moment of startling and brutal honesty, Mark Stoops effectively ended a Wildcat's career at the podium on Monday. When asked about the status of senior defensive lineman Josiah Hayes, Stoops didn't offer a typical "competing every day" coach-speak answer.
He was blunt.
Mark Stoops' direct comments on Josiah Hayes
"Yeah, you know, we've moved past him at this point," Stoops stated flatly. "Just guys playing better than him."
The comment was jarring given Hayes' history with the program. This wasn't a-first year player struggling to adapt; Hayes is a long time veteran. A former 4-star recruit from Mississippi, Hayes has been a consistent rotational player for years, even starting a handful of games over his career. He recorded 24 tackles in his best year in 2023, and was a key part of the defensive line depth. Defensive line is a group for Kentucky that does not get a lot of stats, they open holes for linebackers.
After suffering a torn Achilles in the spring, he worked his way back onto the field, recording nine tackles in the final three games of 2024 though which should have launched him into a bigger role in his last year. This season, however, his playing time has vanished, culminating in his removal from the depth chart entirely in favor of players like Austin Ramsey, who had a sack in the Auburn game.
For a coach to so publicly and definitively state that he has "moved past" a senior, rather than citing injury or a mutual decision, is rare. It signals a clear and final message that Hayes's time at Kentucky is over, a tough end for a player who contributed to several bowl teams.
But that is the business of football, produce or get cut. Unless you are Mark Stoops who has not produced in two years but Kentucky hasn't "moved past" him yet. Wonder why?
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