The start of SEC action this season comes a bit earlier than previous years for Alabama football, as the Crimson Tide are set to travel during Week 2 to open conference play against the Kentucky Wildcats.
A conference opponent Alabama has not faced since 2023, Kentucky is among the SEC teams who are starting new era's in 2026, as former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein is now the head coach in Lexington. Stein replaces Mark Stoops, who spent 13 seasons at Kentucky from 2013-25.
This season's Wildcat roster is also one headlined by some prominent offseason transfers, with both of quarterback and running back among the positions with new faces in key roles. Even despite that, this is still a dangerous game for the Crimson Tide, especially
with it being played in Lexington.
Following is everything you need to know about the Wildcats ahead of Saturday afternoon's showdown in Lexington.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 overview
- Conference: SEC
- Stadium: Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky
- Record: 1-0 overall (0-0 SEC)
- Ranking: Unranked in US LBM Coaches Poll, Unranked in AP Poll
Kentucky enters this Week 2 showdown unranked in the college football polls, and are currently undefeated at 1-0 overall for the season. The Wildcats' Week 1 win came at home against Youngstown State, 45-13.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 coaching staff
- Head Coach: Will Stein
- Offensive Coordinator: Joe Sloan
- Defensive Coordinator: Jay Bateman
The Wildcats are led by Will Stein, who is not only in his first season at Kentucky, but year one as a head coach at the collegiate level overall. Kentucky also has two new coordinators in Joe Sloan and Jay Bateman, who joined the Wildcats from both LSU and Texas A&M, respectively.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 offensive stats
- Points Per Game: 45 (No. 35 in FBS)
- Total Yards Per Game: 506
- Passing Yards Per Game: 301
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 205
Kentucky's offense is currently averaging 45 points per game, as well as 506 total yards a contest, both of which rank among the bottom half of the SEC. The Wildcats' average of passing and rushing yards per game also ranks among the bottom half of the SEC.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 defensive stats
- Points Per Game Allowed: 13 (No. 51 in FBS)
- Total Yards Per Game Allowed: 305
- Passing Yards Per Game Allowed: 246
- Rushing Yards Per Game Allowed: 59
The Kentucky defense is allowing 13 points per game to opponents, ranking No. 51 in the FBS. Kentucky's defense is also allowing only 59 rushing yards to opponents this season.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 offensive players to know
- Kenny Minchey, Quarterback, Senior
- CJ Baxter, Running Back, Senior
- Jason Patterson, Running Back, Junior
- Kenny Darby, Wide Receiver, Freshman
- Mikkel Skinner, Tight End, Sophomore
The Wildcats' offense is one headlined by a number of impact newcomers, headlined by starting quarterback Kenny Minchey. A transfer from Notre Dame, Minchey currently leads the SEC with four touchdown passes this season, while former Texas running back CJ Baxter has also faced Alabama once before, doing so back in 2023.
Kentucky Wildcats 2026 defensive players to know
- Jordan Castell, Defensive Back, Senior
- Elijah "Bo" Barnes, Linebacker, Sophomore
- Grant Godfrey, Inside Linebacker, Senior
- Isaiah McMillian, Defensive Back, Freshman
- Ty Bryant, Defensive Back, Senior
The Wildcats' defense currently has four players tied for the team lead with seven total tackles this season, a group headlined by Florida transfer defensive back Jordan Castell. Castell is also the Wildcats' team leader with two TFL this season.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football Week 2 opponent preview: Kentucky Wildcats
