Will Stein Leads Kentucky Football to Strong Season

Hometown coach Will Stein has guided the Kentucky Wildcats to a 7-1 record during his first season at the helm.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Will Stein Leads Kentucky Football to Strong Season

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Kentucky head coach Will Stein has successfully directed the football program to a 7-1 record following his move from Oregon. The Kentucky native chose to lead the Wildcats after previously helping Oregon reach the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Why it matters

Stein, a Louisville native, accepted the head coach position to return to his home state. His leadership has positioned the team as a legitimate contender for a 2026 College Football Playoff berth.

Kentucky maintains a 7-1 record in 2026, including a victory over then-ranked No. 10 LSU secured by a walk-off 2-point conversion. The program currently faces competition from ranked opponents including Florida and Mizzou.

The players

Will Stein

He is the head coach of the University of Kentucky football team and a native of Louisville, Kentucky.

Dante Moore

He is a collegiate quarterback who played under Stein while he was the offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon.

The details

The Wildcats most recently defeated Vanderbilt on October 24, 2026. Stein previously served as the offensive coordinator at Oregon, where he coached quarterback Dante Moore.

During the 2025 season, Stein coached Oregon to the College Football Playoff.
On October 24, 2026, Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt.
On October 26, 2026, Will Stein spoke about his transition to the Kentucky program.
Throughout November 2026, Kentucky faces upcoming games against Tennessee, Florida, Mizzou, and Louisville.

Season Trajectory

The Wildcats are currently competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff, a goal that hinges on their performance during the November slate. Their ability to manage high-stakes matchups will determine their ultimate standing in the post-season bracket.

Kentucky must secure wins against Tennessee, Florida, Mizzou, and Louisville in November to sustain their College Football Playoff path. The team's successful 2-point conversion against LSU remains a pivotal moment in their current rankings performance.

The takeaway

The return of a hometown coach has revitalized the program through key tactical decisions like the successful 2-point conversion against LSU. Fans should monitor the upcoming November schedule closely, as each game serves as a critical test for playoff eligibility.