10 important news items from the Mark Stoops Show

Think Mark Stoops had anything to discuss during his weekly call-in show Monday evening? To say it was an eventful hour would be an understatement, with Kentucky’s head coach providing updates on potential coaching changes this offseason, craziness in the transfer portal, bowl preferences, replacing Will Levis next season, the Louisville win and much, much more.

With so much to unpack, let’s break down the biggest news items from Stoops one by one, 10 overall.

Louisville game was “very important” to the program.

Kentucky’s 26-13 win over its in-state rival meant a lot to Stoops and the program in general, adding that it was one of the team’s cleanest performances of the season.

“It was very important to us, important to our team. Really proud of the team, the way they answered the bell and really fought extremely hard all the way through the season and played a really good game Saturday. … We needed to play good, play clean. It was one of our better games putting it all together. We all did our part. It was a very good performance.”

Stoops “very optimistic” about the future

Player meetings have already started regarding stay-or-go decisions for the Wildcats, and Stoops is pleased with how those are going. Very pleased.

“Had many meetings today and I’m very encouraged, very optimistic. It was a very good Sunday of work yesterday and a good day today. Feel very good about the core of our team, their response and their commitment to each other. It’s going very good and I’m very excited about the future.”

Will Levis needs time to decide on bowl game

Will quarterback Will Levis play in the bowl game? That remains unclear, as the senior standout’s focus remains on getting healthy and resting up after an injury-filled season. He’ll take some time before making a final decision.

“He and I had another great talk today and it was really good to see. I saw him yesterday as well, he had a bunch of family in town, they were up in the building and I got a chance to see his parents and his grandparents, just spent some time together. Then today, he and I had a talk and we’ll keep that between us for right now. I don’t think he’s — he’s just mentally and physically exhausted and beat up right now. He needs a little bit of time to heal and think about what he needs to do.

“I told him the same thing I told Josh Allen back in the day. In the same way, his legacy is set. I’m quite sure all of our listeners, you, me and everybody who’s listening to this is appreciative of what he’s done and how hard he’s played, what he’s done for us. If that was his last game, then none of us will think any different because he is a tough human being, a tough guy, laid it on the line for his team.

“And I’m not saying he’s not, but either way. I love him and appreciate him, so we’ll see where it goes. He definitely needs a little time right now to see how his body reacts.”

Consideration of staff changes

Will Stoops make any significant staff changes, specifically at offensive coordinator? He’s not ready to make that call yet.

“I’m working through it. I have great respect for our coaches and the work that they put in. It’s entertainment to a lot of folks, but it’s real life to us. I have great respect for all of our staff so I just want to hold that tight for a moment. I’m not prepared to release any information on that at this point.”

Kentucky’s next QB will have plenty to work with

Stoops unofficially announced the return of Kentucky’s star pass-catching talent next season, namely Barion Brown, Dane Key and Josh Kattus, among others.

“Without a doubt (or next quarterback has plenty to work with). We’ve got a lot of dynamic pass-catchers coming back, some youngsters that got some experience under their belt and some guys that are just waiting in the wings waiting to break out. So it’s a really good group.”

Replacing Will Levis

Speaking of Kentucky’s next quarterback following Levis’ inevitable departure this offseason, what is Stoops looking for in his replacement?

“I think we have very good options on our campus that are good, good players. Not a lot of experience, but good, good football players and they’re good leaders and good men. First and foremost, your quarterback better be a quality teammate and a selfless person willing to work and lead his team in a lot of difficult ways. So I think leadership is a big thing.

“Obviously, the talent threshold has to be there — talent kind of speaks for itself. You have to have somebody that has the talent, and then you want high character. So high talent, high character, the work, that’s what we’re striving for at all positions, really. The best talent we can get with the highest character.”

Bowl options and preferences

Does Stoops have a preference on who Kentucky plays in its bowl?

“As far as an opponent, it really doesn’t matter, you know? I’ve always taken the approach of whatever’s in front of us, we’re gonna embrace that challenge and go attack it. It is what it is. Obviously, the best opponent we can play, we always want to play somebody that has had a good year. Let’s go compete.”

Will there be a coach dedicated to special teams next season?

“We shall see, but yes.”

That answers that.

Adding OL talent in the portal

It was a rough year for the offensive line, especially early. Replacing three starters who left for the NFL last season wasn’t easy, and it showed on the field. And some help will be necessary going into 2023.

“Bottom line, simple answer, are we looking for a little bit of help in the portal at offensive line? Yes.”

Overall, though, Stoops sees growth and they adjusted well after unexpectedly losing Dare Rosenthal, who pursued his professional dreams and didn’t stick. The line’s biggest issues started on the outside at tackle.

“There were times we underperformed, but I felt like they got a lot better as the year went on. I felt like some of that’s on us, the coaches. We got caught short at left tackle, had a left tackle leave a year ago who decided to play in the NFL and didn’t make it. If he was here, we wouldn’t have to kick Kenneth (Horsey) out to left and he would play inside. Then all of a sudden, you’re pretty stout.”

Moving forward, he feels good inside, but they’ll look for upgrades and depth, specifically at tackle.

“I feel really good at center, to be honest with you, and I feel really good at guard. But yeah, need some help at a couple positions, get a little bit of depth there from the portal, that would definitely help.”

As for Rosenthal’s decision last offseason, Stoops said it was “unfortunate” how it unfolded, as the veteran tackle took bad advice.

“It’s unfortunate. There are a lot of people in these young men’s ears and sometimes they listen to the wrong people.”

Recruiting starts Friday

In-person recruiting starts this week for Stoops and the Kentucky coaching staff. First, though, he’ll undergo a minor shoulder surgery before hitting the trail on Friday.

“We can’t start up till we’re allowed off-site on Friday, so I’ll be able to go to the state championship games which times up good because they put this little period in here to let you get ahold of your team a little bit with the portal and all that. I had to get a million — felt like a revolving door today of meetings, which was good. I had to get some things done because I actually have to get a procedure done tomorrow morning, a little shoulder deal, no big deal. I’ll be fine.

“I’m very tough [laughs]. Told the players I’ll get cut on and I’ll be back in a day, no problem. I’ll be ready to rock and roll, so when I’m allowed on the road to recruit this weekend, I’ll be hitting it. I’m gonna go to the state championship games this weekend, and then I’ll be on the road Sunday. So yeah, we’ll be ready to roll.”