For a large portion of Big Blue Nation, Kentucky's 10-3 win at Auburn felt less like a victory and more like a setback. It was a win that likely secured another year of the Mark Stoops era, a thought that has caused widespread frustration. That frustration was only amplified by the post-game optics.
Not only did Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart enthusiastically embrace Stoops on the field, but two of the program's most influential supporters were right there with him.
Kentucky football's most powerful boosters show their support
Kelly and Joe Craft, arguably the biggest and most powerful boosters in the UK athletics ecosystem, also flew to Auburn to support the embattled head coach. Kelly was seen on the field post-game, sharing congratulations and embraces with Stoops.
Kelly, Joe Craft Went to the Auburn Game to Show Support for Mark Stoops: https://t.co/8eOjQgLRMV @UKFootball @kentuckybranded @UKCoachStoops @MeltonsDeli2 @KellyCraftKY @lemonsmillbrew @ryanlemond @lees_ofdanville
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) November 3, 2025
This display of support from the university's highest levels, both administrative and financial, is a significant development for fans hoping for a change. It's also, for many, a bit nauseating.
The win came against an Auburn team that is, by all accounts, terrible. They have now lost 9 straight home SEC games (in regulation) and just fired their own coach. Celebrating a 10-3 rock fight against such an opponent like a conference title, after 399 days without an SEC win, highlights the massive disconnect between the administration's standards and the fans' expectations. BBN isn't asking for a football national title, they just want to be competitive in every game. Stoops has proven he can't do that.
Mitch Barnhart will look for any reason to keep his "legacy hire," and a "gutsy road win" provides the perfect cover. With the Crafts, whose financial contributions are crucial to the entire athletic department, clearly still on board, it appears the fans' desire for a new direction is being overruled. Mark Stoops has every reason to be full of "hope," because the people whose opinions matter most are clearly still in his corner. And they may always be.
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