The bye week isn't just for rest and recovery; it's a critical time for evaluation. As the Kentucky coaching staff reviews the film from the first three games, they'll be looking for ways to optimize every position group before the SEC gauntlet begins. While some players have solidified their roles, others may find their starting jobs in jeopardy.
Following up on our look at players who need more snaps, here are three starters who could be in danger of losing their positions if their performance doesn't improve.
1. Center Jager Burton
This is a storyline Kentucky fans have unfortunately seen before. In 2023, nagging snap issues led to Jager Burton moving from center back to guard. While he has been solid for the most part in 2025, the same problems have started to creep back in. An errant snap can kill a drive, shift momentum, and lead to disastrous turnovers. You simply cannot survive in the SEC with inconsistent center-quarterback exchanges. If Burton can't get the snaps fully under control during the bye week, the staff may have no choice but to once again explore other options at the position.
2. Linebacker Sam Greene
This is less about a player performing poorly and more about his backup being too good to keep off the field. Sam Greene, a transfer, has been a reliable tackler, accumulating 7 total tackles. However, backup Steven Soles Jr. has been significantly more disruptive. Despite having fewer tackles (5), Soles has generated more quarterback pressures and already has two sacks. With a secondary that has shown vulnerability, generating a fierce pass rush is non-negotiable. This may simply be a case where Soles is a better fit for what this defense desperately needs right now.
3. Nickel Corner Quay'sheed Scott
When your defense gives up over 300 yards through the air to Eastern Michigan, every position in the secondary comes under the microscope. Quay'sheed Scott has been a willing and effective tackler from the nickel position, but he has struggled in pass coverage. He has been beaten on several key plays, and those are the kinds of mistakes that SEC quarterbacks will exploit relentlessly. The coaching staff might look to shuffle the cornerback room to get better coverage players on the field, even if it means sacrificing some of Scott's tackling ability. It's a tough trade-off, but one that may be necessary to shore up the pass defense.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion