Kentucky Wildcats Football

The Kentucky Wildcats football program, representing the University of Kentucky, boasts a rich history since its inaugural season in 1881. Competing in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision and SEC's Eastern Division, the Wildcats, under the guidance of head coach Mark Stoops, call Kroger Field in Lexington, KY, home. Stoops, in his 10th season with a record of 73–64 (.533), leads a team with a claimed national title in 1950, two conference titles, and a spirited tradition against rivals like Florida, Indiana, Louisville, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. With a stadium capacity of 61,000 and a field surfaced with Field Turf, the Wildcats hold a notable bowl record of 12–9 (.571) and have produced 10 Consensus All-Americans in their storied history.

Founded in 1865 by John Bryan Bowman as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky (UK or UKY) has evolved into a distinguished public land-grant research university in Lexington. As one of Kentucky's premier educational institutions, UK stands alongside the state's other land-grant entity, Kentucky State University. Boasting the highest enrollment in the state, with 32,710 students as of fall 2022, UK encompasses 16 colleges, a graduate school, and a comprehensive array of academic programs. Recognized as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution, UK is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation. With a commitment to research excellence, state-of-the-art facilities like the William T. Young Library, and a legacy of producing Nobel laureates, the University of Kentucky exemplifies a tradition of academic prominence and global impact.

Air Force Falcons Football History

Originally known as "Kentucky State College" until 1913, the University of Kentucky's football history dates back to 1881. The inaugural team played against rival Kentucky University with unknown coaches. The iconic blue color emerged in 1891 when a student held up a necktie, establishing the team's unique shade. Coached by W. R. Bass, the 1898 squad, "The Immortals," remains the sole undefeated, untied, and unscored-upon team in UK football history. Success continued under coaches like Jack Wright, Fred Schacht, and J. White Guyn. At the same time, Edwin Sweetland, also the first athletics director, contributed to the team's legacy, marked by the enduring "wildcats" nickname coined in 1909.

Air Force Falcons Coach

Mark Thomas Stoops, born on July 9, 1967, is an American college football coach and former player. Currently serving as the head football coach at the University of Kentucky since the 2013 season, Stoops is the all-time winningest head coach in the history of the Kentucky Wildcats football program. Hailing from a football-oriented family, he is the brother of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops. Stoops played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1986 to 1988.

Air Force Falcons Stadium: Kroger Field

Kroger Field, formerly Commonwealth Stadium, stands proudly on Lexington's University of Kentucky campus. Serving as the home field for the Kentucky Wildcats football team since its opening on September 15, 1973, the stadium underwent renovations in 2015, expanding its capacity to 61,000. Named C. M. Newton Grounds, the playing surface pays homage to the late UK athletic director and accomplished athlete. Initially constructed for $12 million, equivalent to $79.1 million in 2022 dollars, Kroger Field features S5 Synthetic Turf since 2015, replacing the original Kentucky bluegrass. As the newest football stadium in the Southeastern Conference by the original construction date, Kroger Field remains a vibrant symbol of the Wildcats' athletic legacy.

Kentucky Wildcats Football Rivals

Louisville Rivalry

The Louisville-Kentucky football series, initiated in 1912, experienced a hiatus until its revival in 1994, following the success of the basketball series rekindled in 1983. The initial four games of the renewed series were played at Commonwealth Stadium (now Kroger Field) until the completion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in 1997, leading to a rotational schedule between Louisville and Lexington.

The teams vie for the Governor's Cup Trophy, with Kentucky holding a series lead of 19–15, though trailing in the modern series 15–13.

Kentucky dominated early encounters, holding Louisville scoreless in their first four seasons and twice in the 1920s, including a massive 73–0 win in 1922 before a lengthy series hiatus.

Tennessee Rivalry

The Kentucky-Tennessee football rivalry, a classic matchup, featured a unique trophy—a wooden beer barrel painted half blue and half orange—awarded to the game's victor from 1925 to 1997. Introduced in 1925, former Kentucky students crafted the barrel as a symbol of supremacy rolled onto the field with "Ice Water" painted on it to avoid beer-related controversies.

In 1998, the tradition came to an end following an alcohol-related crash that claimed the lives of two Kentucky football players.

Vanderbilt Rivalry

The Kentucky-Vanderbilt football series, originating in 1896, has witnessed annual matchups since 1953, with both teams as divisional opponents in the SEC East. The series alternates between Nashville, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky, providing a dynamic backdrop to the longstanding rivalry.

Kentucky leads the series 48–43–4, underscoring the competitiveness and historical significance of this enduring SEC East clash.

Governor's Cup

The Governor's Cup stands as the coveted trophy awarded annually to the triumphant team in the intense college football rivalry between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Originating in 1912, the rivalry saw a hiatus after the 1924 season, only to be revived 70 years later in 1994 with the introduction of the Governor's Cup trophy. With Kentucky leading the overall series 20–15, the modern era since 1994 has seen Louisville holding a slim lead of 15–14. Notably, the game moved to the regular season's end in 2014, aligning with Thanksgiving weekend. Despite occasional disruptions like the 2020 cancellation, the rivalry is scheduled to persist until at least the 2030 season, alternating between hosting by Kentucky and Louisville.

Kentucky Wildcats Football Records And Stats

The Kentucky Wildcats football program boasts a storied history with notable records and statistics. With a record of 645–640–44, the team has participated in 12 bowl games, holding a 12–9 record. Claiming a national title in 1950, the Wildcats have clinched two conference championships. The program has produced 10 Consensus All-Americans, reflecting its tradition of excellence. Home games unfold at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, accommodating 61,000 fans. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Stoops, the Wildcats continue to leave an indelible mark in the competitive landscape of college football, embodying a legacy of resilience and achievement.

National championships

The NCAA never officially recognized a national champion among bowl coalition institutions. In 2004, Jeff Sagarin retroactively used his computer model, designating Kentucky as the 1950 champion. Pre-bowl game polls listed Oklahoma, Princeton, or Tennessee. Oklahoma earned the AP and UPI titles before bowls, while Tennessee won the Cotton Bowl. Kentucky defeated Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. Despite not being an NCAA-designated selector, sports writer Bill Libby named Kentucky national champions in his 1975 book.

Conference Championships

Kentucky clinched two Southeastern Conference championships. In the 1977 season, despite concluding with a 10–1 (6–0 SEC) record, they couldn't contend for the SEC title or participate in postseason events due to NCAA probation.

Kentucky Wildcats Rosters

The Kentucky Wildcats football team's roster is a dynamic compilation of skilled athletes representing the University of Kentucky. Comprising a diverse range of talents, the roster reflects the team's commitment to excellence on the field. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Stoops, the Wildcats bring a blend of experience and emerging talent, fostering a competitive spirit within the Southeastern Conference. The roster undergoes regular updates, featuring athletes dedicated to upholding the storied tradition of Kentucky football. As the Wildcats strive for success, the roster stands as a testament to the depth and resilience of this collegiate football powerhouse.

Kentucky Wildcats Schedule

The Kentucky Wildcats football schedule is a thrilling lineup of competitive matchups within the Southeastern Conference and beyond. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Stoops, the Wildcats face formidable opponents, showcasing their skills and determination. The schedule unfolds with conference clashes and non-conference challenges, providing fans with exciting moments throughout the season. Whether on their home turf at Kroger Field or on the road, the Wildcats' schedule reflects their commitment to excellence and the pursuit of victory in collegiate football.