Will Stein Named National Coach of the Week
The Kentucky head coach earned the Dodd Trophy following his team's recent victory over a ranked opponent.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Kentucky football head coach Will Stein was honored with the Dodd Trophy National Coach of the Week award on Monday. This recognition follows a major win by the Wildcats.
Why it matters
The prestigious award highlights Stein's tactical leadership in securing a significant victory for the Kentucky program. His ability to guide the team to a win over a top-tier opponent serves as a benchmark for the team's current season progress.
Kentucky secured a 31-21 win against a Texas A&M team that held a No. 9 national ranking. The victory serves as the primary statistical basis for Stein's recognition.
The players
Will Stein
Will Stein serves as the head coach of the Kentucky football team.
Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are a college football team based in Lexington, Kentucky.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a university football program that was ranked No. 9 during their recent game against Kentucky.
The details
The award recognizes Stein for his role in leading the Wildcats to an upset victory over the ranked Texas A&M squad. This win marks a notable achievement for the program during the early portion of the 2026 season.
Timeline
September 20-21, 2026: Kentucky defeated Texas A&M in their matchup.
September 21, 2026: Will Stein received the Dodd Trophy National Coach of the Week honor.
Season Trajectory
This win significantly boosts Kentucky in the conference standings and alters the regional perception of the program's competitiveness. It signals a potential shift in the team's standing relative to ranked opponents for the remainder of the season.
The victory improves Kentucky's overall record and strengthens their position in the divisional standings. The win also serves as a crucial data point for power rankings and potential future bowl game eligibility.
The takeaway
Coaching accolades often serve as early indicators of a program's upward momentum during a competitive season. Fans can monitor future team performances to see if this win establishes a consistent baseline for success against ranked opponents.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LEX 18 News - Lexington, KY (WLEX).
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