Mark Stoops (HC) – Stoops remains the steady hand in Lexington. He’s been with Kentucky since 2013, leading the Wildcats through SEC challenges and seasons of rising expectations and setbacks. His coaching style leans on a physical defense and a ground-oriented offense, so when his playcalling is sharp, Kentucky can keep games close. Georgia’s offense will likely test his defense early; how Stoops adjusts could foreshadow whether Kentucky can surprise.
Cutter Boley (QB #8) – Boley is the young quarterback who’s emerged as Kentucky’s signal-caller. Through two games in 2025, he’s completed 13-of-24 passes for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions — a strong start for a freshman in SEC play. Against South Carolina, he struggled at times, but his potential is clear. In his prior start against Eastern Michigan, he threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-21 passing, showing flashes of what he could become. Georgia’s defense should press him early to test his poise under pressure.
Josh Kattus (TE #84) – Kattus is one of Boley’s more trusted receiving options. In the Eastern Michigan game, Kattus logged three receptions for 61 yards and hauled in one of Boley’s touchdown throws.Through early 2025 stats, Kattus leads Kentucky’s receiving corps — with 51 receiving yards in two games so far. In a passing offense that may lean on shorter and safe targets, Kattus could be asked to win in tight windows, exploit mismatches, and help Boley move the chains.
Seth McGowan (RB #3) – McGowan has shown consistency and big-play ability. Against Eastern Michigan, he carried the load: 18 rush attempts, 104 yards, and three touchdowns. Over the season, he leads the Wildcats in rushing. In the South Carolina matchup, he also broke free for a 20-yard touchdown. Georgia will want to key on him early, but McGowan’s vision and burst make him dangerous if he finds creases.
Alex Afari Jr. (IL #3) – On defense, Afari is one to watch. He leads Kentucky’s defense in tackles so far this season and is already playing a key role in run fits and supporting the middle. Georgia’s offensive line must reckon with him when trying to establish tempo on the ground.
Jordan Lovett (DB #25) – Lovett showed up in the South Carolina game with six tackles — an indication that he’s active around the line and in coverage. His versatility in coverage and willingness to play physical against tight ends or motion receivers make him a matchup to watch. If Georgia tries to throw behind the linebackers or to the slot, Lovett could be challenging those throws.
Kahil Saunders (DL #92) – Saunders helps anchor Kentucky’s defensive front. While sack numbers are limited early in the season, his presence in the trenches and ability to disrupt interior running lanes may slow down Georgia’s run game, particularly in short-yardage or inside-zone situations.
Kentucky’s men’s basketball program had one of the best three year runs since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty, as the Wildcats won the 1996 and 1998 national titles and were 1997 runners-up.
One of Kentucky’s greatest football players ever was quarterback Babe Parilli, who was a two-time All-American for Bear Bryant’s Wildcats and the 1950 SEC Player of the Year.
Amongst Kentucky’s greatest football players ever, Hall of Famer Art Still was an All-Pro defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who was the 2nd overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft.