KSR Today: A big day in store for UK Athletics

Good morning, folks! This random Wednesday in early October is shaping up to be a significant one for UK Athletics. Of course, the Kentucky football team continues its prep work for this weekend’s high-profile matchup with the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, but that’s not what makes today so special.

For starters, word began to leak out Tuesday night that 7-foot-2 Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic has been admitted to the University of Kentucky, clearing his path to suit up with the men’s basketball team for the 2023-24 season. Ivisic, who committed to UK on August 1, had been waiting for clearance from the admissions department, and there was serious doubt as to whether or not he would ultimately wind up in Lexington. Those worries now appear to be gone. We should learn more about Big Z’s status later in the day. Stay tuned…

Another reason to stay tuned is to find out which school four-star EDGE Brian Robinson chooses. There is no exact time scheduled for an announcement, but one is expected anytime today. Kentucky is trending heavily as the frontrunner for the 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender heading into decision day. Penn State, Michigan, Maryland, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh are also involved. Adding Robinson would make for a major recruiting win by Vince Marrow, who has recruited Robinson more than anyone. Kentucky is closing in on a top 20 recruiting class in the nation.

It’s going to be an eventful day around the KSR headquarters. Stay close. Now let’s dive into the rest of this morning’s news and notes.

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Kentucky-Indiana series is BACK

After a long hiatus, the men’s basketball series between Kentucky and the Indiana Hoosiers is set to return. Things will kick back up starting with the 2025-26 season in Lexington. Two of the four games will take place at Rupp Arena, one at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the final game at Assembly Hall. The two teams have not played since the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The last regular-season matchup was in 2011 when Christian Watford beat an undefeated Kentucky team at the buzzer.

“This is a really important rivalry to our fans and the game of college basketball and we’re happy to bring it back,” John Calipari said. “Mike (Woodson) and I have been friends for years and I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and as a man. Let’s do this!”

Below is the full series schedule.

• Dec. 20, 2025 – Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 27, 2026 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. (IU home game)
• Dec. 18, 2027 – Rupp Arena Central Bank Center, Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 16, 2028 – Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Ind.

On the note of scheduling, a couple of tipoff times for this season were announced on Tuesday. Kentucky will take on Kansas in the Champions Classic at approximately 9:30 p.m. EST. But with Duke-Michigan State taking place right before, expect a slightly later start time. Also, the home game against Florida on Jan. 31 in Rupp Arena will tip off at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Liam Coen, Kentucky offense talk Georgia

Kentucky football’s showdown against No. 1 Georgia is right around the corner. After we heard from Mark Stoops on Monday, members of the offense took the podium on Tuesday to break down the Bulldogs. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen, offensive line coach Zach Yenser, offensive lineman Jeremy Flax, and running back Ray Davis all spoke with reporters following Tuesday’s practice.

Unfortunately, we did not receive any concrete updates on the health status of wide receivers Barion Brown and Tayvion Robinson for Saturday, but there is still plenty of confidence oozing out of the football facilities.

Later today, it’ll be the defense’s turn to take the mic. We’ll hear from defensive coordinator Brad White and a handful of defensive players as they provide their thoughts on the matchup with Georgia. Shortly after, 11 Personnel’s Nick Roush and Adam Luckett will break it all down in podcast form live on the KSR YouTube channel.

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New Sources Say just dropped

Prior to the news on Ivisic leaking out, the Sources Say crew of KSR’s Jack Pilgrim and Go Big Blue Country’s Shawn Smith sat down to talk about the UK-IU series and some recruiting updates. There was also a special guest appearance from former Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo, who is currently enrolled at UK and is finishing his degree. You’ll want to check this one out.

You get an award! And you get an award!

Even days after the win over Florida, Kentucky players continue to haul in awards for their performances against the Gators. Head coach Mark Stoops — a top 10 highest-paid college football coach in the country, by the way — was tabbed the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week while quarterback Devin Leary was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 watch list.

Right tackle Jeremy Flax also had a big game against Florida, resulting in him being named the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week for the nation’s top interior offensive lineman. He was also recognized as the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week. But no Kentucky player was showered with more praise than running back Ray Davis, who recorded 280 rushing yards and four total touchdowns in the win. Below is Davis’ list of honors for his showing against Florida. He’s also been receiving some NFL Draft buzz as a possible sleeper pick.

• Maxwell Award National Player of the Week
• Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week
• Reese’s Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week
• Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week
• Co-SEC Offensive Player of the Week
• East/West Shrine Bowl Breakout Offensive Player of the Week
• CFPA Honorable Mention Performer of the Week

JJ Weaver 1-on-1 with KSR

Everyone’s favorite six-fingered pass-rusher, JJ Weaver, recently sat down (stood up?) with KSR for an exclusive one-on-one interview. On set for a Morgan & Morgan commercial, KSR’s Nick Roush talked with Weaver about his NIL deal with Morgan & Morgan, how he prepares for each and every game at Kroger Field, what his favorite pass rush moves are, and much more. 

Check it out below.

Men’s soccer ties Indiana

It’s been a disappointing start to the 2023 season for Kentucky men’s soccer, but the Wildcats were able to stop some of the bleeding on Tuesday night. UK hosted the Indiana Hoosiers and played them into a 1-1 draw, putting an end to the Widlcats’ four-game losing streak. Kentucky’s lone score came in the 30th minute when Brennan Creek found Eoin Martin for his first goal as a ‘Cat.

Kentucky finished with 10 total shots and four saves from goalie Casper Mols. This tie marked the first of the series, which has been dominated by Indiana (26-3-1). You can read a full recap of the draw from KSR’s Katelyn Perkins here.

Positive thoughts from Coach Zinkhan after tonight’s match!#WeAreUK | #GBED pic.twitter.com/IUUYjNgW3i

— Kentucky Men’s Soccer (@UKMensSoccer) October 4, 2023