As February rolls around, it's the perfect time to indulge in some bold predictions for the College Football Playoff. Yes, Kentucky only secured four wins last season, and yes, they have a first-year head coach facing a daunting schedule. But when one of college football's most respected voices sees potential, it's worth a closer look.
Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and prominent ESPN analyst, recently spotlighted Kentucky as a "sleeper" team that could surprise fans. During his podcast, "Always College Football," McElroy discussed ten teams that, despite flying under the radar, have the ingredients for a potential playoff run. Kentucky made the list due to its quarterback clarity, defined identity, and a schedule that, while challenging, provides a pathway.
“They’re a sleeper because they are starting a new chapter,” McElroy explained. Kentucky has moved on from Mark Stoops and brought in Will Stein, the former Oregon offensive coordinator, as head coach.
This marks a significant shift in philosophy. While Stoops emphasized defense and a ground-and-pound approach, Stein is expected to bring a more quarterback-friendly system.
Kenny Minchey, a transfer from Notre Dame, is set to lead the Wildcats under center. His arrival is a major storyline, signaling the new direction for Kentucky. The big question is whether they can retain their physicality while modernizing the offense enough to compete in high-scoring games.
Minchey, who was in close competition with CJ Carr last summer, now has the chance to shine. If Stein can elevate Minchey’s game, the possibilities are intriguing. However, the schedule is a formidable challenge.
Kentucky's SEC gauntlet includes road trips to Texas A&M, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. McElroy sees these not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth, especially with an early home clash against Alabama.
“The schedule is brutal, but it’s going to force Kentucky to become real,” McElroy noted. The Wildcats must hit the ground running. If Stein can replicate the offensive efficiency he achieved at Oregon, and if Minchey provides steady play, Kentucky could pull off some home upsets and position themselves within striking distance of the playoff in a 12-team format.
While everything would need to align perfectly for Kentucky to be in the CFP conversation come November, February is the time for big dreams. With Will Stein at the helm, the Wildcats are daring to dream bigger than ever.
“Kentucky’s lane to the CFP is narrow, but it does exist,” McElroy concluded. The key will be taking care of business at home, showing resilience on the road, and nurturing the new quarterback-coach partnership into something special by November.