The Stein Era Begins as Expected; Massive Opportunity Next Week

LEXINGTON – September 5, 2026 – Bradley Charles

As I was on my way to the game this morning, the atmosphere and energy around Kroger Field was electric. The sidewalks were packed with fans tailgating and walking to the stadium well before kickoff. There was a level of excitement that was palpable.

BBN has a sense of optimism about what the future could hold for this program, and a strong belief in new head coach Will Stein. As we’ve seen with Indiana, seemingly anything is possible in the NIL/portal era.

Today’s game reflected the expectations and vision you might have for this program. The offense was noticeably improved from past seasons. That was obvious just plays into the game; based on various components, but primarily the innovative, modern, space-oriented offensive scheme.

The offensive line seemed to live up to their billing as one of the top in the country as they generated some wide-open running lanes that QB Kenny Minchey even noted after the game.

You can see the path for this program to achieve success at a very high level under Stein. Well, through one game; even if it was against FCS opponent Youngstown State, that vision matched what we saw on the field.

The first real test comes against Alabama next week. A win would soar Kentucky and Stein into the national spotlight, and essentially pour gasoline on the hype Kentucky has been receiving from the national media.

I mentioned the atmosphere on campus two hours prior to today’s game. Well, just imagine what it will be like next week when Kentucky hosts Alabama in front of the entire country on ABC at 3:30 p.m.

A win next Saturday would be one for the ages. It’s an exciting time to be a Kentucky football fan.