They are struggling.
Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program That is 'Vulnerable' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2024 college football season did not go as expected for several programs. Now, the 2025 season offers a chance to recover and have a successful year.
The Kentucky Wildcats had a challenging season, finishing with a 4-8 record under head coach Mark Stoops. This was their worst performance since 2013, which was Stoops' inaugural season. During an appearance on "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst discussed the Wildcats' rival, the Louisville Cardinals.
Finebaum stated that Louisville should capitalize on Kentucky's current struggles and become the premier team in the state.
"Kentucky is vulnerable," Finebaum said. "Mark Stoops talked the other day about whatever has gone on is not going to happen anymore."
The vulnerability could carry over into the next season. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) is a metric used to assess a team's strength and predict its performance for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the FPI has a pessimistic outlook on their future. It predicts that Kentucky will end the season with a record of 5-7, positioning them near the bottom of the SEC standings.
One advantage for the Wildcats is that they are returning 60% of their production this season, which ranks 52nd in the nation. This level of continuity could lead to improved performance on the field in the upcoming season. However, the schedule presents a significant challenge for Kentucky.
In the first half of the season, the Wildcats will host Ole Miss, Texas, and Tennessee. They will also play road games against South Carolina and Georgia. In the second half of the schedule, they have road trips planned to Auburn, Vanderbilt, and a season finale at Louisville. Additionally, Florida will visit Lexington in November.
Considering their challenging schedule, Kentucky seems likely to face another tough season. The Wildcats will kick off the season at 12:45 p.m. ET on August 30.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program That's 'Very Average'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
