Kentucky Football at a Crossroads: Mark Stoops’ Pivotal 2025 Season and the Future of Wildcats Football
The 2025 college football season looms as one of the most consequential in recent memory for the Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Mark Stoops. Entering his 13th season in Lexington, Stoops has already cemented himself as one of the most successful coaches in program history, leading Kentucky to consistent bowl appearances and even double-digit wins in 2018 and 2021. Yet, as the SEC expands and the competition grows fiercer, the pressure is mounting for Stoops to prove that the Wildcats can sustain relevance in an increasingly cutthroat landscape.
When Mark Stoops took over in 2013, Kentucky football was an afterthought in the SEC. The Wildcats had endured decades of mediocrity, with only fleeting moments of success. Stoops changed that, building a program known for physicality, strong defensive play, and an ability to punch above its weight. His tenure has been defined by player development, particularly on defense and along the offensive line, and a knack for finding underrated recruits who flourish in his system.
However, the last few seasons have seen mixed results. After a 10-3 campaign in 2021, the Wildcats slipped to 7-6 in 2022 and 2023 before rebounding slightly to 8-5 in 2024. While bowl eligibility has become the norm—something once considered a major achievement at Kentucky—the program has yet to break through as a true SEC contender. The 2025 season could determine whether Stoops can elevate Kentucky to the next level or if the Wildcats have plateaued under his leadership.
Several factors make this season particularly pivotal for Stoops and Kentucky:
The SEC’s addition of Texas and Oklahoma has only deepened the league’s talent pool, making the path to contention even more difficult. Kentucky must now navigate a schedule that includes traditional powers like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, along with rising programs such as Ole Miss and Texas A&M. The Wildcats’ ability to steal wins against these heavyweights will define their season.
The departure of Devin Leary leaves a major question mark at quarterback. Will transfer Brock Vandagriff (or another contender) seize the job and provide stability? Kentucky’s offense has often been its Achilles’ heel, and without consistent QB play, the Wildcats could struggle to keep pace in high-scoring SEC matchups.
Kentucky’s offense has frequently been criticized for being too conservative. With Liam Coen returning as offensive coordinator in 2024, there were hopes of a more dynamic attack, but progress was inconsistent. In 2025, the Wildcats must find a way to modernize their scheme without sacrificing the physical running game that has been their trademark.
Stoops’ defenses have typically been the backbone of the team, but key departures in the front seven leave questions. Can new leaders emerge to maintain Kentucky’s tough, disciplined identity on that side of the ball?
At this stage in his tenure, Stoops is no longer just fighting for bowl eligibility—he’s fighting for legacy. Another 7- or 8-win season would keep Kentucky in the middle tier of the SEC, but fans are beginning to wonder if the program has hit its ceiling. A breakthrough year (9+ wins, a marquee upset, or even an SEC East challenge) would solidify Stoops as the greatest coach in Kentucky history. Another step back, however, could lead to murmurs about whether a change is needed to reach the next level.
The 2025 season is a defining moment for Mark Stoops and Kentucky football. The program has come a long way from the doormat days of the early 2010s, but the question now is whether Stoops can push the Wildcats into true SEC relevance. With a challenging schedule, key roster questions, and rising expectations, this year will test whether Kentucky can sustain its upward trajectory—or if it’s destined to remain a middle-of-the-pack team in college football’s toughest conference. The answers will shape not just the season, but the future of Wildcats football.
