A new year. A new schedule. But will it be a new Kentucky?
The Wildcats enter the 2025 season coming off a frustrating 4–8 campaign, with just one SEC win — a desperation victory over Ole Miss — and an offense that never found its rhythm. Second-year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has a lot to prove with a rebuilt offensive line and a unit that didn’t crack 21 points against any Power Five opponent last year. Kentucky’s 2024 offense averaged 18.2 points per game against Power Five teams, worst in the SEC per ESPN.
According to College Football News, Kentucky has the 7th hardest schedule in the SEC. Let’s break down the schedule and predict how the season might unfold before fall camp kicks off.
Aug. 30 — vs. Toledo
Prediction: WIN (1–0)
Toledo is no pushover — they’ve been one of the MAC’s most consistent programs. But this is a game Kentucky has to win at home, even with offensive questions. Expect a sluggish debut for Bush Hamdan’s new-look attack, but one that ends in a close win.
Sep. 6 — vs. Ole Miss
Prediction: LOSS (1–1)
Ole Miss will be circling this one after last year’s stunner in Oxford. Even if Kentucky’s defense keeps it close early, Lane Kiffin’s offense is too potent for a UK team still searching for answers on offense in the second game of the season.
Sep. 13 — vs. Eastern Michigan
Prediction: WIN (2–1)
This should be a comfortable rebound game. Expect Kentucky’s run game to lead the charge as the Wildcats start building confidence before SEC play heats up.
Sep. 27 — at South Carolina
Prediction: LOSS (2–2)
South Carolina returns key playmakers and gets this one at home. Kentucky’s revamped O-line could struggle in a hostile environment, and the Gamecocks seemed to have Stoops' number the last couple years.
Oct. 4 — at Georgia
Prediction: LOSS (2–3)
Kentucky plays Georgia close, sometimes. This doesn't feel like it's going to be one of those times.
Oct. 18 — vs. Texas
Prediction: LOSS (2–4)
Texas is one of the SEC’s new heavyweights and enters the season as a legit title contender. It was close in Austin, probably not so much in Lexington where Kentucky has played worse recently.
Oct. 25 — vs. Tennessee
Prediction: LOSS (2–5)
Stoops hasn’t had much luck against the Vols, and the streak continues here. Tennessee’s tempo and talent create too many mismatches for a Kentucky defense that gets lost far too often in coverages.
Nov. 1 — at Auburn
Prediction: LOSS (2–6)
Jordan-Hare in November is no easy task. Auburn’s defense should make life miserable for Kentucky’s offensive line, and unless the passing game takes a major leap, it’s hard to call this a winnable road game.
Nov. 8 — vs. Florida
Prediction: LOSS (2–7)
This one could go either way — Florida’s not exactly surging, but they dominated Kentucky last year. But Kentucky hasn’t shown enough offensive juice to pull out close SEC games consistently. Until proven otherwise, this leans Gators.
Nov. 15 — vs. Tennessee Tech
Prediction: WIN (3–7)
A much-needed breather. Kentucky should handle Tennessee Tech with ease and possibly experiment a bit offensively. A good chance to give young talent some reps.
Nov. 22 — at Vanderbilt
Prediction: WIN (4–7)
Kentucky may be struggling, but this is usually always a close game. This could be a get-right road game and one of the few SEC matchups where UK could win realistically.
Nov. 29 — at Louisville
Prediction: LOSS (4–8)
Louisville has momentum under Jeff Brohm, and they’ll be looking to avenge last season’s late collapse against UK. Unless Kentucky’s passing game clicks late in the year, the Cards likely pull away at home.
Final prediction: 4–8 (1–7 SEC)
This is still a rebuilding year, so many weapons were lost and not really replaced. The offense needs time, the O-line is unproven, and the schedule is brutal. But if the defense holds firm and Hamdan’s system clicks by midseason, a surprise or two isn’t out of the question. Still, for now, 4–8 feels like the most realistic forecast before fall camp opens.