SEC Spring Check-In: Kentucky moves forward with new faces at QB & OC under Mark Stoops

Before the Texas Longhorns officially join the Southeastern Conference on July 1, Inside Texas is going around the SEC to check in with each of Texas’ new conference mates for updates on the latest spring storylines, important roster notes, and much more as the Longhorns embark upon life in a new league.

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Nick Roush, Kentucky football beat writer for KSR, took the time to answer a few questions about the Kentucky Wildcats as they enter year 12 under Mark Stoops. The Longhorns host Kentucky on November 23 in Austin.

1. How much different will the SEC be in ’24 not only with Texas and Oklahoma joining, but also the elimination of divisions?

There has been a lot of angst around the Big Blue Nation ahead of Texas and Oklahoma’s arrival. Many Kentucky football fans fear the window of opportunity to have an historic, Missouri-like season from 2023 has closed under Mark Stoops. The Cats’ rise coincided with Kirby Smart’s, not exactly a recipe for success. 

The elimination of divisions is not immediately making significant changes to the schedule. In fact, getting Mississippi State off the annual opponent list has been a welcome change of pace. Even though the Cats will face a few more former West division foes, a SEC schedule typically features three juggernauts a year. For Kentucky to have a puncher’s shot at a big season, one of Texas, Ole Miss or Tennessee needs to under-perform, or they may have four top 10 teams on the slate to accompany Georgia. 

2. What is the spring storyline to track on offense for the Wildcats (transfers, star recruits, coaches coming and going, etc.)?

Kentucky will have a new offensive play-caller for the fifth straight season. Kind of like Auburn, who has a 7-year streak going, it’s been a rotating door for Stoops. He played the pro-style card and it worked well in 2021 with Will Levis, but Liam Coen’s back-and-forth left them high and dry. The new guy, Bush Hamdan, was previously a candidate for the position and has SEC experience at Missouri. Running a no-huddle offense, it should speed up one of the slowest operations in football. Hamdan is one of three new offensive assistants, Eric Wolford should upgrade the offensive line, returning to UK after two years at Alabama, and Daikiel Shorts has received a ton of praise as the new WRs coach. 

3. What’s the spring storyline to track on defense for the Wildcats?

Kentucky had a cornerback lead the SEC in interceptions and the other one might be a day two draft pick, yet they ranked 11th in pass defense. Typically a top five unit in the league, that’s gotta get fixed. 

4. Which returner from the 2023 roster was the most important for Kentucky?

Left tackle Marques Cox probably won’t play in the league or be an All-SEC player, but the Cats had no tackle depth. Him and C Eli Cox opted in for Super Senior seasons, which means Kentucky will return four of its five starters on the offensive line. Continuity has been a major issue and this seems to solve it, for now. 

5. Which transfer portal addition was the most important for Kentucky?

Kentucky’s top gets in the portal will be their offensive and defensive play-makers and they’re both former Georgia Bulldogs, QB Brock Vandagriff and LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson. The latter was an All-American for Georgia’s second National Championship, but an injury put him behind the 8-ball. Kentucky lacked vocal leadership on that side of the ball and he should provide it immediately. Devin Leary was a big swing and a miss, completing just 54% of his passes against SEC foes last fall. Vandagriff has five-star pedigree and maybe even more importantly, the QB run game will return this fall. 

6. Which class of 2024 signing was the most important for Kentucky? 

Kentucky loaded up on front seven talent with a pair of four-star EDGEs the should be able to help in the pass rush right away. The one player I’m keeping an eye on is Terhyon Nichols. A top 10 player from Ohio, he could become a starting cornerback for the Cats as a true freshman. 

7. The game UK fans have circled on the 2024 schedule is…

Kentucky climbed the SEC East ladder by annually taking out Missouri, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina. The Cats have lost to Shane Beamer in consecutive seasons. It’s embarrassing. For Kentucky to get where they want to go, they MUST beat South Carolina at home in week two. 

8. What are Wildcat fans’ impression of Texas?

Kentucky fans are excited to throw Horns Down in Austin. In addition to a game at The Grove, it’s the most anticipated road trip on the schedule. It’s a tricky game to forecast late in season. I don’t think there’s much confidence in a victory, but I know most in the BBN will end up talking themselves into a chance to play spoiler, hoping the Longhorns are looking ahead to the rivalry game against A&M.   

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SEC Spring Check-Ins

• Mississippi State: Jeff Lebby begins a new era
• Texas A&M: Aggies start over with Mike Elko ahead of the return of the rivalry
• Ole Miss: The Rebels are going for it all in 2024
• Florida: A pivotal year three awaits Billy Napier at Florida
• Georgia: UGA looks to assert itself as top-dawg in new-look SEC
• LSU: With Jayden Daniels moving on, what’s next for Brian Kelly?