Full Breakdown
Kentucky Stuns No. 10 LSU 35-34 in Overtime Thriller
By Drooid · · How we work
The Upset Play-by-Play
On October 10, 2026, Kentucky hosted No. 10 LSU at Kroger Field. After a back-and-forth contest, the Wildcats forced overtime when kicker Adam Zouagui connected on a 33-yard field goal with 12 seconds left in regulation, after missing earlier attempts from 42 and 26 yards. LSU struck first in overtime on a 15-yard scramble by quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kentucky answered with a one-yard touchdown run by running back C.J. Baxter, tying the score at 34-34. Rather than kick the extra point, head coach Will Stein elected to go for two. Quarterback Kenny Minchey ran untouched up the middle for the conversion, sealing a 35-34 victory.
Background & Context
Will Stein, a Kentucky native and former Oregon offensive coordinator (2023-2025), entered his first season after replacing longtime coach Mark Stoops in December 2025. Stein’s debut season already includes road wins at Texas A&M and South Carolina, the latter also decided by a two-point conversion in overtime. The LSU win marked Kentucky’s first victory over the Tigers in Lexington since 2007 and propelled the Wildcats to a 5-1 record (3-1 SEC).
Data & Statistics
- C.J. Baxter: 123 rushing yards, two touchdowns (including a 77-yard run, the longest by a Kentucky player against LSU).
- Kenny Minchey: 23-of-36 passing, 246 yards; 1-yard rushing TD and the decisive two-point conversion.
- LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt: 162 passing yards in the first half, 275 yards total, two touchdowns, one interception, one fumble.
- Adam Zouagui: three field-goal attempts (42 yd, 26 yd missed; 33 yd made).
- Kentucky defense forced a fumble, recorded a sack, and limited LSU to a single field goal in the first half.
Official Statements & Responses
- The conference confirmed Kentucky will remit the fine to LSU following the fan-storming incident.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans surged onto the field immediately after Minchey’s conversion, covering the turf in a sea of blue and white. Video from the night shows Stein’s father joining the celebration, while thousands of spectators leapt over the walls and sprinted onto the grass. Kentucky quarterback Minchey later described the moment as “great,” noting the crowd’s energy “affected the game.”
Impact & Why It Matters
The victory lifted Kentucky to No. 15 in the AP Top 25, the program’s highest ranking since October 2022. It also triggered a $500,000 SEC fine, the first such penalty under the 2025 rule change, directly benefiting LSU’s athletic budget. The win reinforces Kentucky’s claim to a potential College Football Playoff berth and underscores Stein’s rapid turnaround of a program that posted back-to-back losing seasons before his arrival.
What’s Next
Kentucky’s next challenge is an away game against Oklahoma, marking the Wildcats’ first visit to Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The outcome will determine whether the team can maintain its momentum against a non-ranked but formidable opponent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was nobody in the middle, so I figured I would run there,” — Kenny Minchey — Kenny Minchey, quarterback, Kentucky Wildcats.