Every week, we'll keep track of each opponent on Kentucky's schedule to see how they're performing. Then we will do a deep dive into how the upcoming opponent fared. Here's a look at how the Wildcats' 2025 slate fared in the season's opening week.
Opponent snapshot
- Combined Week 1 Record: 9-3
- Average Points For: 40.1 PPG
- Average Points Against: 15.4 PPG
Week 1 results
- Toledo: Lost to Kentucky, 24-16 (0-1)
- Ole Miss: Beat Georgia State, 63-7 (1-0)
- Eastern Michigan: Lost to Texas State, 52-27 (0-1)
- South Carolina: Beat Virginia Tech, 24-11 (1-0)
- Georgia: Beat Marshall, 45-7 (1-0)
- Texas: Lost to Ohio State, 14-7 (0-1)
- Tennessee: Beat Syracuse, 45-26 (1-0)
- Auburn: Beat Baylor, 38-24 (1-0)
- Florida: Beat LIU, 55-0 (1-0)
- Tennessee Tech: Beat Cumberland (TN), 65-0 (1-0)
- Vanderbilt: Beat Charleston Southern, 45-3 (1-0)
- Louisville: Beat Eastern Kentucky, 51-17 (1-0)
What's up next: A deeper dive on the #5 Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss was number 5 at the time of publishing and may have moved up with the new AP poll releasing.
Kentucky's first SEC game of the year is a daunting one against an Ole Miss team that looked like a juggernaut in their 63-7 demolition of Georgia State. They dominated in every phase of the game, putting up a staggering 629 yards of total offense while holding Georgia State to just seven points. And they will be out for revenge for last year.
To understand the challenge ahead, let's look at the specific players who starred in their opener.
Key players to watch:
- The Quarterback: Austin Simmons was masterful, completing 20 of 31 passes for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns. He spread the ball around to eight different receivers.
- Leading Rusher: Running back Kewan Lacy was a force on the ground, turning 16 carries into 108 yards and 3 touchdowns. He showed explosive power and will be a handful for the Kentucky front seven.
- Leading Receiver: Harrison Wallace III established himself as the premier deep threat, torching the defense for 130 yards and a touchdown on just 5 catches, including a 47-yard score.
- Leading Tackler: On defense, the Rebels fly to the ball, led by defensive back TJ Dottery, who racked up a team-high 9 total tackles and half a sack.
Conclusion: This isn't a team with one or two stars; it's a complete roster filled with playmakers. From the quarterback's arm to the running back's power and the game-wreckers on defense, Ole Miss presents a monumental challenge for a Kentucky team still trying to find its identity.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Isaiah 40:31. #UpTheAlbion