Let's get one thing straight: Kentucky is not just a basketball school, sorry Cal.
Yes, you read that correctly. Of course, Kentucky is a basketball school in results. The eight national championships, the all-time wins record, the parade of NBA superstars, and the consistently sold-out Rupp Arena cement that legacy. But when you look at the whole picture, the passion, the loyalty, and especially the money, you'll find that the soul of this university is just as deeply invested in football.
Exhibit A: The unwavering fan support
The most telling piece of evidence is the crowd at Kroger Field. Kentucky fans, fully aware of the team's struggles, have endured a painful home SEC losing streak that has now stretched across three different seasons (2023, 2024, 2025).
And yet, despite this prolonged stretch of futility, Kentucky football has continued to average over 60,000 fans packed into Kroger Field. That is a staggering number. That isn't casual interest; that is unwavering, passionate loyalty. Fans are spending their entire Saturdays and hard-earned money to show up for a program that has given them almost nothing but disappointment in return.
They pack the tailgate lots (the ones that were not taken away anyway), they scream in the stands, and they do all they can. The on-field product has let down the fans, simple as that.
Exhibit B: The financial engine (Follow the Money)
While basketball holds the historical crown, football pays the bills. A look at the University of Kentucky's athletic department budget reveals a clear financial hierarchy.
For the 2024/25 fiscal year football is budgeted to generate $55,388,540 in revenue against $33,457,308 in expenses, resulting in a net profit of $21,931,232.
Men's Basketball is budgeted to generate $33,031,122 in revenue against $17,371,611 in expenses, resulting in a net profit of $15,659,511.
The football program's budgeted profit is more than $6 million higher than that of men's basketball, highlighting its crucial role as the financial engine for the entire athletic department. It funds a massive portion of the non-revenue sports: baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
Imagine what's possible
Yes, Kentucky is known for basketball. But the data shows that this fanbase craves a competent football program with a fervor that is unmatched. They show up even when the team is terrible. They fund the entire athletic department.
Kentucky isn't just a basketball school. It's a fanbase starving for a football program that finally rewards its incredible loyalty. Just imagine the revenue, the atmosphere, and the national power this university could wield if it ever got football right.
Get it right, Mitch, please.
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