Kentucky will have one of its biggest defensive pieces back on the field to open the 2026 season.
Will Stein said Tuesday that Sam Greene will be “fully available” for Saturday’s game against Youngstown State, a welcome update for a player who was emerging fast before last year’s injury cut things short.
Greene arrived at Kentucky from USC last offseason and wasted little time carving out a starting role at Jack linebacker. He brought real edge-setting ability against the run, and as the season went on, his burst started showing up more and more. His best night came at Auburn, where he piled up tackles, two TFLs, a pass break-up, and the game-sealing quarterback sack.
Then came the ACL injury the following week, ending his season.
Even while sidelined, Greene stayed involved. He was active throughout the offseason and took on a leadership role in a young EDGE room. Once he returned to the field, EDGE coach Tony Washington Jr. said the physical traits were easy to spot.
“I definitely see the explosion, whether it’s upper body strength or whether it’s rushing off the edge,” Washington Jr. said during fall camp.
“He definitely has some juice. His mentorship with the other guys because of his experience on the field has helped a ton.
It’s good to see him out there on the field as he continues to progress. But he has some unique athletic traits that a lot of guys don’t necessarily possess.”
Kentucky also got some encouraging overall injury news heading into the opener, though one notable absence remains. Oklahoma running back transfer Jovantae Barnes has not been able to take part in fall camp.
“He’s had some stuff throughout his career, and something happened earlier in our spring ball, and it was obviously unfortunate,” Stein said. “But he’s on a really, I think good path back to have him back, not this game, but in the very near future.”
The Wildcats should have C.J. Baxter ready to go after managing his workload through a program designed to keep him healthy for Week One. Stein said the back has been building steadily and should be prepared to help lead the room on Saturday.
“I feel okay. I don’t feel great.
I don’t feel bad. I think it’s C.J. had a really good last three weeks.
He’s you know out there practicing every single rep,” said the Kentucky head coach.
Stein also pointed to progress from Jason Patterson and Martels Carter, while noting the offense will need to create chances to get the ball on the edge and find ways to involve more players.
“I think Jason Patterson has gotten significantly better from when we first got him, especially within our scheme. He catches the ball well, and you know Martels Carter has came along too.
So you know we got to do things to get the ball on the edge and other different getting other players involved. But you know for the most part, you know I would say I feel okay.”
In Other News...
Kentucky Already Has One Week 1 Threat It Cant Ignore
Kentuckys first week of game-planning has already come with some urgency, as the Wildcats sent coaches to scout Youngstown States week zero opener ahead of the season opener. The focus was clear from the start: quarterback Beau Brungard, a dual-threat presence who can stress a defense with his arm and his legs, is the kind of player who can shape a game plan before kickoff ever arrives.
Brungard backed up the attention with a strong outing in the Penguins most recent game, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns while adding 119 rushing yards and two more scores. For Kentucky, that means the opener brings more than a typical first-game test, because stopping one player who can do damage in multiple ways may decide how smoothly the Wildcats can settle into the season. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Is Changing Kroger Field In A Way Fans Will Notice
Kroger Field is getting a noticeable makeover this fall as Kentucky Athletics rolls out a slate of changes aimed at making game day feel fresher under new head coach Will Stein. The upgrades touch several parts of the fan experience, from concession pricing and payment options to updated seating, a new team introduction sequence and a more interactive atmosphere for home games.
The department is also leaning into presentation, bringing in a new game-day host and lining up promotional events throughout the season to keep the crowd engaged. Kentucky is pairing those touches with themed home dates designed to pull the stands into the action, a sign that the Wildcats want the building to feel different before the first snap even arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Just Got Pulled Back Into A Mark Mitchell Twist
Mark Mitchells path has taken another turn, and Kentucky is right back in the middle of it. After initially committing to the Wildcats, the forward is weighing his options with an eye on what comes next, a reminder that college basketballs roster building rarely stays simple for long and that late movement can reshape a teams plans in a hurry.
For Kentucky, the interest is obvious because Mitchell would fit the kind of frontcourt help the program always has to monitor closely. The wrinkle is that his next step is tied to a broader eligibility question, leaving the situation in a holding pattern for now and giving the Wildcats another thread to follow as they keep piecing together their roster picture. [Read more 🡒]