If you’re reading this, you already know that 2024 was a challenging year for Mark Stoops. He brought in Bush Hamdan with promises of a fast-paced offense that would pound the rock and hit deep shots. In reality, the team ended up with an offense that struggled with both. By the end of the season, the defense was worn down, and the poor performance against Louisville solidified 2024 as the worst year under Stoops. Let's catch up with the Cats.
Kentucky Football News and Notes:
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The SEC announced the amount of revenue sharing the teams will receive
Mike Hartline former Kentucky QB, returns to Kentucky to work with the offense. He previously worked with new QB Calzada at Auburn.
In typical Stoops fashion, he went to work trying to get his sytel team back. He insisted that he wasn’t going anywhere despite calls for his replacement. Even though fans were fed up, Stoops maintained that change wasn’t necessary. A year after nearly leaving for Texas A&M, he reassured everyone, “Don’t panic" only for the transfer portal to complicate matters further. Cutter Boley was considered the answer—until he wasn’t.
The challenges continued on the recruiting front as well. UK hosted Malik Murphy from Duke and Zach Calzada, a former SEC quarterback and Incarnate Word starter aiming to become the next Cam Ward. The wide receiver room saw nearly everyone leave, replaced by more physical players who excel at blocking but lack experience in catching passes.
There were no big-name signings, but the team did secure solid players and rebuilt its offensive line. The big question now remains: Will this new approach be enough to turn things around?
Looking ahead
The fun thing is, it won't be long until Spring practice and we get our look at the new Kentucky team. A lof of programs are cancelling their spring game because they are afraid of tampering; including Nebraska. Kentucky has yet to announce they would do that, but we will follow that and announce it if they do. Stay tuned to WBN.