The University of Kentucky is bringing a familiar face into its football program, as head coach Will Stein has officially named Joe Price III the Wildcats’ new wide receivers coach. The move reunites Stein and Price after their shared stint at UTSA, and it signals a clear direction for Kentucky’s offense moving forward-fast, aggressive, and built on relationships.
“Joe and I go way back to our time at UTSA,” Stein said. “He’s a high-energy guy, incredibly detailed, and connects with players on a real level.
He’s not just a great coach-he’s a great person. I know he’s going to bring a lot to our offense.”
Price arrives in Lexington after a six-year run with the UTSA Roadrunners, where he wore a lot of hats-most recently as associate head coach, pass game coordinator, and wide receivers coach. But his journey with UTSA started behind the scenes.
In 2020 and 2021, he served as director of player personnel, helping shape the program’s recruiting strategy before moving into an on-field role in 2022. From there, his rise was rapid.
“I’m excited to reconnect with Coach Stein and be part of what he’s building at Kentucky,” Price said. “We’ve worked together before, and I know what he brings to the table.
Between Coach Stein and Coach Sloan, there’s a clear vision for an explosive offense. It’s something I want to be part of.”
And if Price’s track record at UTSA is any indication, Kentucky fans have reason to be optimistic.
During Price’s tenure, UTSA enjoyed its most successful six-year stretch in program history. The Roadrunners posted a 52-26 record, went 35-12 in conference play, won two league titles, and appeared in six straight bowl games. The 2025 regular season saw them finish 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the American Athletic Conference, earning a spot in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl against Florida International.
Offensively, UTSA was one of the most productive units in the country under Price’s guidance. In 2025, the Roadrunners averaged 33.7 points per game and had five receivers with at least 25 catches. Junior wideout Devin McCuin led the charge with 59 receptions for 653 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 2024 season was another banner year for the Roadrunners’ offense. They racked up 5,882 total yards-the third-highest mark in school history-and averaged 451.2 yards per game, good for 12th nationally.
The passing game was particularly lethal, putting up 3,683 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air. UTSA broke the school record for total offense in a game with a 681-yard outburst against North Texas and set a new mark for first downs (34) in a blowout win over Houston Christian.
Price’s wide receiver group played a major role in that success. His unit combined for 182 catches, 2,265 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 2024.
McCuin, despite missing five games, still managed 45 receptions for 424 yards and five scores. Willie McCoy added a team-high 536 receiving yards on just 28 catches-an eye-popping 19.1 yards per grab.
In 2023, Price helped guide UTSA to a 9-4 record, a 7-1 conference mark in their first year in the AAC, and the program’s first-ever bowl victory-a 35-17 win over Marshall in the Frisco Bowl. His receivers were again central to the offensive attack, combining for 204 catches, 2,631 yards, and 23 touchdowns.
Senior standout Joshua Cephus had a monster season, setting a program record with 1,151 receiving yards on 89 catches and 10 touchdowns. He capped his career as UTSA’s all-time leader in receptions (313) and receiving yards (3,655), earning first-team All-AAC honors and Frisco Bowl Offensive MVP.
Price’s first season coaching the wideouts in 2022 was just as impressive. That year, Cephus, De’Corian Clark, and Zakhari Franklin formed one of the most productive receiving trios in the country, combining for 232 receptions, 2,862 yards, and 29 touchdowns-all earning all-conference recognition.
Before stepping into an on-field role, Price made his mark as UTSA’s director of player personnel. He handled everything from prospect evaluation and video breakdown to recruiting events and roster management. His eye for talent and organizational skills helped lay the foundation for UTSA’s rise.
Prior to his time in San Antonio, Price was the director of high school relations at Illinois. But his coaching roots run deep in Texas high school football.
From 2014 to 2018, he served as passing game coordinator, wide receivers coach, and recruiting coordinator at North Shore High School-one of the premier programs in the state. During his tenure, the Mustangs won two Class 6A-DI state titles and four district crowns.
In his final season, North Shore went a perfect 16-0, was named national champion by MaxPreps, and capped its run with a legendary Hail Mary win over Duncanville at AT&T Stadium.
From 2009 to 2013, Price also coached at Galena Park High School, where he served in multiple roles including assistant coach, video coordinator, and recruiting coordinator.
Coaching runs in the family-Price’s father, Joe Price Jr., spent over 30 years as a high school coach in Texas. Joe III followed in those footsteps after a standout playing career of his own.
A Houston native, Price was one of the top wide receivers in Harding University history from 2001 to 2005. He finished third all-time in receptions (121), eighth in receiving yards (1,404), and ninth in receptions per game (2.88).
He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in 2009 and later completed a master’s in education leadership and administration at Stephen F. Austin.
He’s a member of several coaching associations, including the Texas High School Coaches Association and the American Football Coaches Association. He also served on the executive board of the Greater Houston Area Football Coaches Association.
Price and his wife, Joy, have three children: daughters Ryan and Jordan, and son Dru.
With Price now in the fold, Kentucky’s offense is adding a coach who doesn’t just understand the Xs and Os-he understands how to build relationships, develop talent, and win. And with his track record of turning wide receiver rooms into high-powered engines, the Wildcats’ passing attack could be in for a serious jolt.