If Will Stein wants his first Kentucky team to look anything like the attacking, aggressive vision he keeps talking about, the defensive depth chart has to change fast.
Last year’s numbers tell the story:
- 27.9 points allowed per game
- 384.5 yards allowed per game
- 8.2 yards per pass allowed (No. 118 nationally)
- Opponents scored on 87.8% of red zone trips
That’s not just “bend but don’t break.” That’s bend, break, and then give up a chunk play on the next drive.
Now layer on the losses:
- EDGE: Kam Olds to graduation, Landyn Watson to the portal
- Linebacker: Alex Afari, Daveren Rayner gone
- Defensive line: Kahlil Saunders, David Gusta gone
- Secondary: Jordan Lovett, Jantzen Dunn, JQ Hardaway gone
That’s a lot of experience and snaps walking out the door from a defense that already wasn’t good enough.
Related: Transfer Portal tagets for Will Stein's first offense at Kentucky
Where Kentucky football’s defense needs immediate help in the portal
Stein’s defensive coordinator choice will shape the scheme, but no matter what they run, three position groups scream for portal help.
1. Pass rushers off the edge
If Stein really wants to “attack the offense,” it starts with guys who can win one-on-one and speed up the quarterback.
In a 3–4 look, that means long, explosive outside linebackers who can set the edge and bend around the corner. In a 4–2–5 or 4–3, it means twitchy defensive ends who can turn pressures into sacks without needing constant blitz help.
Losing Olds and Watson hurts a room that already wasn’t scaring many offensive coordinators. Kentucky needs at least two impact edge guys from the portal, not just depth pieces, but starters or high-rotation players who can change games on third down.
2. Interior defensive line that can hold up for four quarters
The run defense numbers weren’t terrible on paper (3.6 yards per rush allowed, No. 27), but some of that was game flow and opponents choosing to throw because the secondary was leaky.
With Saunders and Gusta gone, Kentucky has to restock the big bodies. Stein needs:
- One veteran nose or 1-tech who can anchor versus SEC interior lines
- One penetrating 3-tech who can win quickly and collapse the pocket
If the Cats do switch more to a four-man front, the margin for error shrinks even more inside. You can’t live in second-and-3 against this league and expect to survive.
3. The secondary, which has been the real issue for years
This is where Stein and his staff have to be most aggressive.
Opponents completed nearly 62% of their passes and averaged 250.7 passing yards per game against Kentucky. Too many free access throws. Too many busted coverages. Too many late breaks on the ball.
Now you’ve lost multiple defensive backs (Lovett, Dunn, Hardaway), and the room already needed an upgrade.
The wish list:
- An experienced boundary corner who can travel with top receivers
- A slot defender who can tackle and blitz
- At least one veteran safety with range and communication skills
The past few seasons have shown exactly what happens when the back end is a step slow or a split-second late. Explosive plays pile up, and the offense has to chase games.
Stein doesn’t have to build an elite defense overnight. But if he wants Year 1 to be competitive, he has to hit on edge rushers, interior help, and multiple DBs in the portal.
The numbers are clear. The departures are real. Now it’s on Kentucky to go shopping and bring back defenders who fit the aggressive identity Stein keeps preaching.