When Kentucky announced Will Stein was coming back home to take over the football program, he made it clear he wanted to embrace the entire state. He genuinely believes in this place. He actually thinks that if we do this right, Kentucky football can stand toe-to-toe with the national powers. We saw a glimpse of that during his Super Bowl ad when he shouted out legends like Randall Cobb and Benny Snell Jr.
But he isn't just dropping names for good PR. He is actually putting in the work to bring the family back together.
The 'Players program' dinner
According to a report from Larry Vaught, Stein hosted over 125 former Kentucky players for a massive dinner. Former defensive line great Jeremy Jarmon introduced Stein, who spoke to the room for a few minutes. But what happened next is the part that really matters to me.
Stein and his entire staff didn't just give a speech and walk out the back door. They went out into the room and actually mingled with the guys who built this program up.
I know it might sound like a small thing, but taking time out of your day to bring former players back and engaging with them instead of just speaking at them, that is how you start to build real, unshakable roots.
Stein knows exactly what he is doing, too. He reposted the story on social media with a simple message: "Players program #BBN."
Players program #BBN https://t.co/0K7oQ1gYRl
— Will Stein (@CoachWillStein) February 13, 2026
For a first-time head coach, this kind of nod to the past is massive. It shows he knows how to build the future.
If you are a Kentucky fan, this should have you ready to run out and buy all the season tickets up. When a coach takes the time to do the small things right and respects the guys who wore the jersey before him, the big things on the field usually follow.