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Kentucky Names Will Stein, Adds 45 Transfers, Starts Minchey

7/22/2026

42 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Stein Overhauls

Kentucky coach Will Stein said at Media Days on July 20, 2026 that the Wildcats can win “because of me,” citing his Oregon experience.
Stein unveiled a roster overhaul adding 31 transfers and 13 projected starters, for 45 new players in 2026.
Transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey from Notre Dame was introduced as Kentucky’s starting quarterback.
Kentucky will open the 2026 season at home against Youngstown State on Sept. 5, 2026, kickoff 1 p.m.

Summary

Stein Revives Kentucky

Kentucky entered the 2026 season averaging 17.2 points per conference game, a historically low output.
Stein’s “because of me” claim mirrors Lane Kiffin (coach)’s past statements at Tennessee.
As a first-time head coach, Stein must shift from Oregon’s offense to revive a program that has not recorded a 10-win season since the Playoff era.
The SEC’s perennial powerhouses add pressure on Stein to lift Kentucky beyond its modest recent production.

History

Historical Context

After Joker Phillips' 2010-12 tenure ended with a 2-10 season, Mark Stoops took over in November 2012 and guided Kentucky to intermittent bowl victories before back-to-back losing seasons in 2024-25. On December 1 2025 the university hired Will Stein as its 38th head coach, pledging a roster overhaul with 45 transfers, among them Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey.

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Stein Overhauls

Kentucky coach Will Stein said at Media Days on July 20, 2026 that the Wildcats can win “because of me,” citing his Oregon experience.
Stein unveiled a roster overhaul adding 31 transfers and 13 projected starters, for 45 new players in 2026.
Transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey from Notre Dame was introduced as Kentucky’s starting quarterback.
Kentucky will open the 2026 season at home against Youngstown State on Sept. 5, 2026, kickoff 1 p.m.

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