When Kentucky tapped Will Stein as its next head coach, it wasn’t just a new era for the Wildcats on the field-it marked a strategic shift on the recruiting trail, too. And if early signs mean anything, Stein and his staff are already shaking things up, particularly in one of the most competitive recruiting battlegrounds in the country: Texas.
Now, let’s be clear-Texas isn’t just another state when it comes to football talent. It’s a pipeline, a proving ground, and a place where college programs either gain ground or get left behind.
Historically, Kentucky hasn’t had much of a footprint there. In fact, before the 2026 recruiting class, the Wildcats had only landed two players from Texas across five cycles.
But with Stein now at the helm, that trend is starting to shift.
The Wildcats signed three Texans in the 2026 class-a small number on the surface, but a noticeable uptick when you consider the context. And it’s not just about numbers. It’s about momentum, relationships, and planting flags in places the program hasn’t traditionally been a factor.
That’s where Stein’s background comes into play. His coaching journey, which includes stops at Oregon and UTSA, has helped him build a staff with deep ties to the Lone Star State. Several assistants and personnel staffers bring valuable experience and recruiting connections from their time working in and around Texas high school football-a network that’s already proving useful.
At the recent Battle 7-on-7 event in Las Vegas, Kentucky’s name came up more than a few times among top prospects. That’s no accident.
The Wildcats are working the trail hard, and they’re doing it with purpose. They’re not just showing up-they’re showing they belong in the conversation.
Establishing a presence in Texas isn’t easy. The competition is fierce, the programs are relentless, and the expectations are sky-high.
But Kentucky’s early push suggests they’re not just dipping a toe in-they’re diving in headfirst. And while it’ll take time to see how this strategy pays off in full, the Wildcats are clearly betting on Texas being a key piece of their long-term recruiting puzzle.
For a program looking to elevate its national profile, this kind of aggressive, targeted approach could be exactly what Kentucky needs. The foundation is being laid. Now it’s about building on it.