Will Stein's confidence backfires as Kentucky ranks at the bottom of preseason SEC poll

Will Stein made national headlines when, in his first appearance at this year's SEC Media Days, he stated that Kentucky Football would win, in his words, "Because of me." The comment came right on the heels of his declaration that he plans to take Kentucky to the top of national competition; that's a peak that, as Cats fans well know, this program is historically unfamiliar with.

And clearly, in the eyes of the rest of the conference, Stein's confidence isn't yet founded. The SEC Football Preseason Poll has been released and, per On3, Kentucky slotted in all the way down at No. 14. That's two spots off the bottom - not exactly the definition of winning to any solid degree.

Now, to be fair to both sides, this is a double-edged sword. Will Stein hasn't been the head coach of a football team ever, not once. He's a proven ,elite play-caller with a track record of second quarterbacks to the NFL who is undergoing a massive task at Kentucky.

A massive task that, to boot, many have failed before him. Even so, it's hard not to flinch at this release after Stein's own unflinching comments last week. Where does Stein, and the program as a whole, go from here?

The only possible way to quiet the noise is to walk the walk. Stein has to win, as promised, at Kroger Field.

All Stein Can Do is Win Football Games at Kentucky

On a slightly brighter note, Kentucky came in one spot higher than their preseason ranking last offseason. The difference between No. 15 and No. 14 is as minimal as it seems, but it's a nod to just how dire Mark Stoops' tenure had gotten that Stein is above him without having played a game.

But the main takeaway here is that Kentucky's recruiting successes in the 2027-28 pool have overshadowed a team primarily built with less assurance for the season at hand.

Don't get me wrong: Kenny Minchey was a massive pickup under center, and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan pulled in a handful of playmaking weapons that should render the Wildcats more dangerous than they seem. But this is not, and was not, a team expected to succeed out of the gates.

Kentucky Wasn't Expected to Succeed Out of the Gates

This is the reality regardless of how exciting some of Stein's press conference one-liners are. I think it's awesome that Kentucky's new head coach is embracing the uphill climb that is the nine-game SEC schedule.

But, at the same time, it's very much an uphill climb regardless of anyone's attitude. Kentucky Football, in the midst of a total staff overhaul with a brand new system stalking the sideline, is bound to hit some growing pains.

Will those growing pains once again limit this program to the SEC's lowest tier? Everyone outside of Lexington seems to think so, but if anything can be said about Stein, it's that he's clearly not concerned what anyone outside of Lexington thinks.

The pressure isn't high for a knockout first year for Will Stein, but the more he talks, the higher the bar gets. Preseason polls like this one might take the wind out of Cats fans, but either way, I'd caution folks to wait until September, maybe even October, to be sure of anything.

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