Associated Press Named Will Stein Top SEC Coach

The publication recognized Will Stein for leading Kentucky to a strong 5-1 start this season.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football

Associated Press Named Will Stein Top SEC Coach

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Associated Press writers have named Will Stein the top SEC coach while selecting Kentucky as the conference's most surprising team. The squad currently holds a 5-1 record and sits at No. 15 in the national rankings.

Why it matters

Kentucky has outperformed expectations after being picked to finish 14th in the SEC preseason media poll. Stein secured the recognition by leading the team to a significant midseason turnaround.

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has completed 70.1% of his passes for 1,435 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Additionally, Colin Simmons has recorded 9.5 sacks through his first five games.

The players

Will Stein

He is the head coach at Kentucky who was recently named the top coach in the SEC by Associated Press writers.

Trinidad Chambliss

He is a quarterback who has completed 70.1% of his passes for 1,435 yards and 11 touchdowns for Kentucky this season.

Colin Simmons

He is a defensive player who has recorded 9.5 sacks through his first five games of the current season.

Terry Bussey

He is a player who accumulated 1,251 career all-purpose yards before sustaining a season-ending leg injury.

Kamario Taylor

He is a player who recorded 17 touchdown passes and competed against Alabama on October 3, 2026.

The details

Will Stein successfully steered the team to two victories by utilizing two-point conversion attempts in overtime. While Kentucky celebrates its current standing, Texas A&M has struggled to a 3-3 record despite returning 65% of its total production from last season.

1913 was the year Alpha Brumage coached Kentucky.
2012 marked the year Texas A&M joined the SEC.
2023 was the year Kentucky had its last comparable start.
October 3, 2026, was the date Kamario Taylor played against Alabama.
2025 was the year Terry Bussey averaged 23.4 yards per return.

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Season Trajectory

Kentucky's current 5-1 standing marks a significant departure from their 14th-place preseason projection in the SEC. This performance mirrors the successful trajectory established during the 2023 season, positioning the program as a surprise contender within the conference.

The team's 5-1 record drastically improves their standing within the SEC and significantly bolsters their bowl game potential. Fans and analysts should monitor the availability of key contributors like Faizon Brandon, who is currently managing a shoulder injury.

The takeaway

Kentucky's resurgence demonstrates how effective coaching and high-efficiency offensive play can overcome low preseason expectations. Readers should watch for how the team manages roster depth following recent season-ending injuries to key players.