Long before Kentucky became a basketball blueblood or even a bowl-regular in football, the 1898 Blue and White football team set a gold standard few remember: a perfect season.
Led by W.R. Bass, Kentucky State College (as UK was then known) steamrolled its way to a 7-0 record. They outscored opponents 181-0, that's right they were never scored on—an astonishing feat even by modern standards.
Their victims included Kentucky University, Co. H. of 8th Massachusetts, 160th Indiana, Georgetown, Louisville Athletic Club, and New Castle Athletic Club. The closest game all year was Centre, with the Cats winning 6-0. But that game was called after 15 minutes because of weather.
These early Wildcats played with a toughness and cohesion that became foundational to the UK athletic identity. Take a look at the unnamed members of the team here.
The season’s fire came not just from dominance, but from drama.
At the time, UK’s fiercest rival wasn’t Louisville or Tennessee—it was Transylvania University. The two schools shared a bitter rivalry, often fueled by accusations of professionalism and unsportsmanlike recruiting. Transy claimed Wright brought in ringers from New York in 1903, an allegation that stirred local newspapers and inflamed passions.
Though Transy beat UK 17-0 in a post-season contest not counted in the official record, the 7-0 run still stands. It remains just the second official undefeated season in program history, behind the “Immortals” of 1898.
For a fanbase often starved for football glory, the 1898 squad deserves a deeper place in Big Blue lore. They weren’t just good—they were perfect. And they did it before helmets, before modern formations, and before Kentucky was even called Kentucky.
Kentucky has been filling football stadiums despite losing records for years. BBN is a football starved fanbase, and with the right coach and resources can be awoken again. They just need the right combination.
Before Rupp or Stoops or the SEC, there was 1898. And they never lost.