A year ago, Kentucky football was riding high with big new transfer portal additions from major conferences, a hotshot new OC promising to play fast and free. Fast forward 6 months and the Wildcats stumbled to a 4-8 record, failing to score more than 21 points against any Power Five opponent with a slow vanilla offense. The offense was lifeless, and frustration boiled over. Fans called for Mark Stoops’ job, but his $30+ million buyout made that conversation a non-starter.
Fast forward to this spring, and no one is forgetting last season’s disaster. There really isn't much of a different tone. But with Stoops, one thing is for sure, he always says the same things. Want proof? Keep reading. Let’s compare what Stoops is saying now versus last year.
A Different Energy?
Spring 2024 (Last Year):
“I’m just excited. Really excited about this year.”
Last year, Stoops started spring with optimism, talking up his players’ experience and the team’s tempo. He spoke about fundamentals, offensive balance, and installing Bush Hamdan’s new system. We all know how that went, an offense that was slow, plodding, and couldn't block Murray State.
Spring 2025 (This Year):
“I really like where I’m at right now for spring. Obviously, there’s a ton of work to be done but I love this team’s energy, I like their focus, the way that we’re working.”
This year’s comments feel pretty similar overall, which means it was probably a lot of coach speak then and now. Let's keep digging.
Offense: Is It Actually Improving?
Spring 2024:
“I feel really good about the tempo… ripping through a lot of plays in the same amount of time.”
“I feel like we have a really good nucleus of players.”
Spring 2025:
“With this practice today, we just finished with four live reps of fourth and one, fourth and one and a half, fourth and two and working on converting those tough yards.”
Last year, Stoops talked about tempo and play volume, but that never translated to actual offensive production in the fall nor any noticeable increase in tempo or plays. This year, he’s laser-focused on short-yardage execution—a glaring weakness from 2024.
And quarterbacks?
Spring 2024:
Stoops raved about new OC Bush Hamdan’s system, saying there were “a lot of playmakers” and “a lot of window dressing” designed to make life difficult for defenses. Uh, yeah, sure.
Spring 2025:
“I’m not going to talk about any individual [QB]… What I like is that I feel like we got better the last several practices.”
This time around, Stoops is cautious. There’s no hype about scheme changes or explosive playmakers—just a simple acknowledgment of improvement.
After last season’s QB disaster, with struggles across the board, it makes sense that Stoops is being more careful with his words.
Offensive Line: A Real Fix or More Hope?
Spring 2024:
“It starts with being physical and being able to run the ball.”
Spring 2025:
“I love what I’m seeing from the leadership, the effort, the continuity… We’re definitely making progress. As long as they keep that same attitude and work ethic, we’ll be significantly improved.”
A year ago, Stoops talked about balance—but that never materialized as the offensive line got pushed around all season.
Now, he’s talking about leadership and continuity— is that a sign that he sees tangible improvement in the trenches?
Defense: A Step Ahead?
Spring 2024:
“We need that experience. And we have some good newcomers.”
Spring 2025:
“The defense, in general, is flying around. This time of year, traditionally, the defense is a little bit ahead anyway. But they’re playing very hard. It’s a very united group and playing very tough.”
Last spring, Stoops highlighted individual talent.. This year, he’s emphasizing energy, unity, and effort.
New Coaching Addition: More Passion?
Spring 2025:
“Coach [L’Damian Washington] has great energy. He has great passion for the game, great knowledge, and works very well with the guys.”
Is Stoops’ Job on the Line?
Kentucky didn’t fire Stoops last year because of his massive buyout. AD Mitch Barnhart made it clear this spring—if things don’t improve over the next couple of years, it’ll be time for a serious discussion. But not until then.
That means Stoops is still playing with house money, and no real pressure. Will that work out?
This year, his comments sound different—less forced optimism and more specific areas of improvement. If the changes he’s talking about actually show up in the fall, he might just save his job.
But if Kentucky struggles again—especially on offense—it’ll be hard to justify keeping him around, no matter the buyout.
The clock is ticking.