Will Stein's short tenure at the head of Kentucky's football program has already proven that the lead-man isn't ducking any smoke. Toppling fellow SEC competitors on the recruiting trail, on his way to a top 10 recruiting class nationally, says enough about Stein's attitude as-is.
But, more recently, it may be a blurb from Coach Stein that has the Big Blue Nation ready to tailgate in mid-May. According to T.J. Walker on X, Stein touched on the Louisville rivalry for the apparent first time since his hiring in December. It's straight music to Cats' fans ears.
Not only does he never plan to drop the in-state series on the gridiron, but Stein wants to move the annual game to the beginning of the season. Clearly, Stein is leading a charge to take the Governor's Cup back from the black and red as soon as possible.
If you're scared? Well, you know the word.
Stein Has Roots in the Rivalry
Especially keen Kentucky fans will know that Stein played quarterback for Louisville during his collegiate years; prior to his hiring at Kentucky, it was common for Cardinals fans to point to his having played there as evidence that he would never, by no means, coach at Kroger Field.
To say that the folks down the road felt a little betrayed soon thereafter would be an understatement. To that end, this rivalry is bound to mean a little more with Stein at the helm against his bitter (even if they won't admit it) alma mater.
UK head coach @CoachWillStein tells @justthecatradio that he never plans to drop the UofL series and wants to move it to the beginning of the season (where it belongs).
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) May 12, 2026
Historically, too, this is a matchup that Kentucky has generall succeeded in. Although the tally is much tighter than it is on the hardwood, the Wildcats still lead the all-time series 19-17. Fun fact: Kentucky won the first meeting between the two programs in a 41-0 blowout in 1912.
Louisville, however, took the most recent game, as Kentucky fans well know. The final score? 41-0. It's poetic for both sides, although last year's loss is one bound to motivate the BBN until the Cats get a chance to redeem themselves.
A New Day Dawns in Lexington
Mark Stoops didn't necessarily hurt Kentucky's standing against their most intense rival during his tenure in Lexington, going 6-6 vs. Louisville during that time, but blue-blooded folks in the bluegrass will be especially hungry for Stein to run away with this series.
Stein too, it seems, is ready to get a game on the books. So long as Louisville and "big dawg" Vince Marrow don't shy away from the competition, we could see this series renewed to its highest potential in an early-season matchup sooner rather than later.
The Governor's Cup has gotta be homesick by now. The Cats are back on the hunt for their golden trophy.
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