On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to begin SEC action against one of the conference's more intriguing teams, the Kentucky Wildcats.
Led by a new head coach in Will Stein, the Wildcats will be playing only their second game under the former Oregon offensive coordinator, with this matchup against Alabama undoubtedly their toughest test yet. Last week, Kentucky defeated Youngstown State at home to open the Stein era, 45-13.
This season's Wildcat team is loaded with impact transfers as well, especially on the offensive side of the ball led by a new starting quarterback. The Wildcats also have a few players who have faced Alabama before while at different programs, some of which had success against the Crimson Tide.
Taking an overall
look at the Wildcats' roster, here are five Kentucky players to know ahead of Saturday's matchup in Lexington.
Kenny Minchey, Quarterback
An offseason transfer from Notre Dame, Minchey is currently the SEC's leader in touchdown passes after throwing four a week ago. The senior quarterback also completed 18-of-27 passes for 301 yards, as well as rushed once for 17 yards, and will be facing Alabama for the first time in his career.
CJ Baxter, Running Back
Baxter was arguably Kentucky's biggest offseason transfer addition, joining the Wildcats following three seasons at Texas. The senior opened the season last week with 48 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, and has already faced Alabama once back in 2023 as a true freshman at Texas, rushing for 31 yards on 11 carries, as well as hauling in four receptions for 21 yards, in that game.
Jordan Castell, Defensive Back
Castell also transferred within the SEC during the offseason, joining the Wildcats after starting for three seasons at Florida. The senior is currently tied for Kentucky's team-lead with seven total tackles this season, while also leading the Wildcats with two TFL, and will be facing Alabama for the first time.
Elijah "Bo" Barnes, Linebacker
The sophomore is also an offseason transfer addition for the Wildcats, joining Kentucky following a season at Texas. Barnes is currently tied for Kentucky's team-lead with seven total tackles, and will face Alabama for the first time.
Jason Patterson, Running Back
While the aforementioned Baxter did find the end zone twice a week ago, Patterson is actually the Wildcats' leading rusher entering Week 2. The junior, who is facing Alabama for the first time, rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries, while also hauling in one pass for 16 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Transfer quarterback among Wildcats to know vs. Kentucky in Week 2
