Kentucky football is officially back in the AP Top 25, and man, does that feel like a long time coming for the Wildcats faithful! This isn’t just a casual jump, either; it’s the first time the program has cracked the polls in nearly three whole years. Think about that for a second: three years of grinding, waiting, and now, they’ve finally got a number next to their name again.
The Grind to Get Back in the Mix
This return to the national spotlight on Sunday, September 27, wasn’t handed to them. It comes after a solid 3-1 start to the season under their new coach, Will Stein. The last time Kentucky had any sort of ranking was way back in Week 7 of the 2023 season. After that, they lost a tough one to Missouri on October 14, 2023, and then poof, they were gone from the polls. No more number. But Stein’s squad didn’t just sit around and mope. They went out and took care of business against Youngstown State, Texas A&M, and South Alabama, building up that 3-1 record (1-1 in the SEC) that caught everyone’s eye.
AP Noticed, Now the SEC Has To
So, where do they stand exactly? The Wildcats landed at No. 24 in the Associated Press Top 25. Now, they didn’t quite make it into the US LBM Football Coaches Poll, but they did get the 27th-most points there, so they’re definitely on the radar. Being No. 24 in the AP is a huge step, showing the league and the rest of college football that this Kentucky team is legit. They’re not just hovering; they’re in it. The big question now is, can they stay there?
This week is a massive test for them because they’re jumping right back into SEC play. The Wildcats are hitting the road to take on South Carolina. That game against the Gamecocks is set for 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, down in Columbia, South Carolina, at Williams-Brice Stadium. This isn’t just another game; it’s their chance to prove that being ranked isn’t a fluke. Can they keep the momentum rolling? The SEC is watching, and so are we.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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