Kentucky has landed two of its senior offensive linemen on preseason award watch lists, with center Coleton Price earning a spot for the Rimington Trophy and left tackle Lance Heard getting recognized for the Outland Trophy.
For Price, it’s familiar territory. The senior center has now been included on The Rimington Trophy’s preseason watch list for the second year in a row, putting him in the mix for the award that goes to the nation’s top center. Price arrived at Kentucky after three seasons at Baylor and has built a sizable résumé, appearing in 32 career games with 30 starts.
His production last season backed up the recognition. Price played 842 snaps, posted an 83.6 pass-block grade and a 69.5 run-block grade from Pro Football Focus, and gave up only one sack, six quarterback hurries and seven total pressures. He started 11 of 12 games.
Heard’s path to Kentucky is a little different, but the result is the same: national attention. The senior left tackle was named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, which honors the nation’s top offensive/defensive lineman. Heard transferred to Kentucky this offseason after stops at Tennessee and LSU, and he brings 35 career games and 24 starts with him.
The numbers on Heard are strong, too. He has allowed just three sacks in his career and was a Third-Team All-SEC selection after starting all 12 games at left tackle for Tennessee in 2025. Over 887 snaps, he earned a 72.3 pass-blocking grade and a 69.7 run-blocking grade from PFF.
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Mark Stoops Starts A New Chapter As Kentucky Enters One Too
Will Stein is stepping in as Kentuckys new head coach this season, and the change closes a long chapter in Lexington while opening another. Mark Stoops, who spent 13 seasons leading the Wildcats, is moving on to a new assignment after being hired as a special assistant to Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, a notable next stop for one of the programs most recognizable figures.
For Kentucky fans, the transition is more than a coaching note. It is the sort of handoff that invites reflection on what Stoops built, what Stein inherits and how quickly a program can turn the page in modern college football. Stoops new role at Texas adds another layer to the offseason story, even as the focus in Lexington shifts to what comes next under a new staff. [Read more 🡒]
CJ Baxter Gives Kentucky A Reason To Believe In The SEC Grind
CJ Baxter arrives in Lexington with a fresh start and a heavy workload ahead, expected to lead Kentuckys ground game after a transfer from Texas and a long recovery from a torn ACL. The Wildcats need stability in the backfield as they head into a demanding SEC schedule, and Baxter is positioned to become a central part of how they handle it. After missing time, he now has the chance to show why Kentucky believed he could be more than just a depth piece.
Baxter has framed the comeback as humbling, a reminder of how far he had to climb just to get back on the field. He did not weigh in on Steve Sarkisians comments about letting players go, keeping the focus on his own return and the opportunity in front of him. For Kentucky, the appeal is straightforward: if Baxter can stay healthy and find his rhythm, the Wildcats may have a back capable of making life a little harder on the leagues defenses. [Read more 🡒]