Report: Kentucky OL Kenneth Horsey out against Florida

Kentucky is set to take on Florida on Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Ky., but it’ll do so without veteran offensive lineman Kenneth Horsey.

According to a report from Nick Roush of KSR on On3, Horsey is not dressed out for warm-ups about 30 minutes before the start of today’s game. He is not expected to play.

Horsey had started 33 games entering the 2023 season, so he’s one of the most experienced veterans on the Kentucky offensive line.

The 6-foot-3, 311-pound versatile lineman is a powerful player who has missed the previous two games. Horsey has spent time at both left tackle and left guard.

He will be missed in a game against a Florida team with a very physical and deep front seven defensively.

Florida-Kentucky a must-win for both

The loss of Kenneth Horsey on Saturday will sting for Kentucky given the magnitude of the game. The Wildcats enter the game unbeaten and looking to begin to establish their positioning in the SEC East.

Florida has already knocked off Tennessee and is likewise looking to put its stamp on the division race.

Kentucky has won the last two meetings in the series.

“It’s a really important game for both teams,” ESPN analyst Tim Tebow said. “You look at this opportunity in the East: Who’s going to really challenge Georgia in the East? Both these teams have a chance. And you’re looking at Missouri, they have another SEC game and they have a chance to be able to be 5-0. Every team’s got the opportunity to take that next spot. But this is going to be a really fascinating one because they’re also very similar. Both teams really good running the ball. Both teams really good against the run.”

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has had Florida’s number in recent years, so seeing which team takes early command in the game will be key.

Whichever team can get an early lead should be able to lean on the run game to apply pressure on their opponent.

Florida and Kentucky kick off at noon ET with a broadcast on ESPN.