KSR Today: Jasper's a Wildcat, the NFL is back, and it's almost time to beat South Carolina

Good morning, Big Blue Nation. We are one sleep away from another game day in Lexington, where Kentucky hosts South Carolina tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. at Kroger Field. Fans are excited about the Wildcats’ potential in the SEC opener and the fun around it, including SEC Nation in town for a Saturday morning broadcast from the orange lot.

However, Kentucky Basketball headlined the news on Thursday because Mark Pope landed his first five-star prospect when Jasper Johnson committed to UK. Johnson, ranked No. 12 in the On3 Industry Ranking, picked the Wildcats over North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisville.

A senior at Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Johnson returned to Woodford County High School outside of Lexington, Kentucky, for an announcement ceremony in front of his former classmates. Johnson’s announcement was unique in that it was heavily sponsored by Johnson’s many NIL partners, from a Morgan & Morgan t-shirt to a Donato’s pizza delivery containing the jersey Johnson wore to reveal his college decision. “I’m K-Y until I die,” Johnson told a crowded high school gym as he committed to UK.

Watch Jasper Johnson’s commitment to Kentucky

Immediately after Johnson announced his decision, he joined KSR’s live Rapid Reaction from Woodford County High. His dad, Dennis Johnson, also guest starts in the video.

Even more from Jasper Johnson’s commitment:

• Film Room: Jasper Johnson
• What Jasper Johnson’s commitment means for Kentucky
• Mark Pope told Jasper Johnson he was born to coach the 5-star guard
• Jasper Johnson used his Dad’s basketball jersey to reveal Kentucky commitment
• Here Comes the Boom: Where Kentucky Goes Next Following Jasper Johnson’s Commitment
• Sources Say Podcast: Jasper Johnson picks Kentucky

Mark Stoops previewed Saturday’s Kentucky-South Carolina game

Moving on to football. In his final Q&A before game day, Mark Stoops briefly spoke after Kentucky’s Thursday evening practice. KSR has the replay of the conversation, in case you’re interested.

Tailgaters needed at SEC Nation

UK Athletics put out a request for tailgaters to fill the backdrop for tomorrow’s SEC Nation broadcast. UK encouraged fans to set up their tents “behind the fan audience area behind the set” by 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The @SEC Nation set will be in the Orange Lot and we want YOU there showing your Big Blue spirit! 😼🏈

Tailgaters are encouraged to set up their tents behind the fan audience area behind the set to create a "tailgating atmosphere" for the backdrop to the pregame show. We ask… https://t.co/wxjvP0mrqd pic.twitter.com/AcwDfIGM84

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) September 5, 2024

In addition to SEC Nation, today’s Paul Finebaum Show and tomorrow morning’s Marty & McGee will broadcast from outside Kroger Field.

The NFL season kicked off last night; more NFL tonight from Brazil

Last night, the NFL season kicked off with Thursday Night Football in Kansas City, where the Chiefs beat the Ravens 27-20 in a thriller. The game came down to its final play; a near Ravens touchdown, waved off because the receivers’ toe touched white paint in the back of the end zone. The clock read 0:00, thus the ending of the game.

Tonight, the NFL will play its first-ever game in Brazil when the Packers and Eagles meet in Sao Paolo.

A new episode of the “Fade This” podcast

Matt Jones and I previewed the second week of college football and the opening weekend in the NFL in a new podcast episode of “Fade This” presented by DraftKings. If you’re into the silliness of KSR and want to hear our picks, Fade This is the perfect podcast for you. Subscribe, like, and comment for us once you listen, if you don’t mind.

UK Volleyball hosts No. 7 Penn State tonight

Ranked ninth in the country, Kentucky Volleyball is 3-0 in Historic Memorial Coliseum this season, looking for a fourth win tonight against seventh-ranked Penn State. The battle of top-10 teams is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start. The match will be televised on SEC Network and streamed live on ESPN+.

Kentucky Men’s Soccer hosts a top-10 team

In the sport of men’s soccer, the Wildcats host No. 10 Wisconsin tonight at The Bell Soccer Complex on campus, with tickets still available. Kentucky played Virginia Tech to a draw on Monday, bringing its early-season record to 1-0-1 as the Badgers (4-0-0) come to Lexington for a Friday evening match. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., streamed live on ESPN+.

KSR is at Kentucky Branded in Louisville for today’s show

Today’s KSR show is in Louisville at Kentucky Branded. Come by the Shelbyville Road Plaza at 4600 Shelbyville Road to spend the morning with Kentucky Sports Radio as the show recaps Jasper Johnson’s commitment ceremony and previews Kentucky-South Carolina.