Kentucky kicks off the 2026 season Saturday at 1 p.m. with new head coach Will Stein leading the Wildcats into a new era. Before the Cats take the field, the Bleed Blue Network team breaks down the schedule, picks every game and predicts how Kentucky’s first season under Stein will unfold.
Paul Novielli
Alabama and South Carolina, for me, are the swing games of the season. Win both, and eight wins is likely. Lose both, and making a bowl game becomes really difficult. Health is also a huge key to the success of the season. My predictions are based on the team staying healthy and could easily change depending on injuries at thin positions. That said, I believe the floor for this team is 5 wins, and the if everything goes perfect ceiling is 9.
Prediction: 8-4
Youngstown State — Win
Alabama — Win
Texas A&M — Loss
South Alabama — Win
South Carolina — Win
LSU — Loss
Oklahoma — Loss
Vanderbilt — Win
Tennessee — Loss
Florida — Win
Missouri — Win
Louisville — Win
Casey Madis
Cautiously optimistic. Could very well go 5-7 or vice versa, but the momentum surrounding the Stein era has been encouraging thus far.
Prediction: 7-5
Youngstown State — Win
Alabama — Win
Texas A&M — Loss
South Alabama — Win
South Carolina — Loss
LSU — Loss
Oklahoma — Loss
Vanderbilt — Win
Tennessee — Win
Florida — Win
Missouri — Loss
Louisville — Win
Lukas Witt
Prediction: 8-4
Youngstown State — Win
Alabama — Win
Texas A&M — Loss
South Alabama — Win
South Carolina — Win
LSU — Loss
Oklahoma — Loss
Vanderbilt — Win
Tennessee — Loss
Florida — Win
Missouri — Win
Louisville — Win
Cats By 90 Edits
I think Stein pulls off a turnaround in Year 1. The starting offensive line is stout, and I believe they’ll help the Cats pull off a few upsets. Maybe I’m overly confident, but the program’s new direction could create real momentum on the field.
Prediction: 8-4
Youngstown State — Win
Alabama — Win
Texas A&M — Loss
South Alabama — Win
South Carolina — Win
LSU — Loss
Oklahoma — Loss
Vanderbilt — Win
Tennessee — Loss
Florida — Win
Missouri — Win
Louisville — Win
Dylan Brake
I expect the defense to keep them in a lot of games. I think the offense will have a great running game given the depth, hopefully the passing game can match. I’m optimistic for Will Stein’s first season!
Prediction: 7-5
Youngstown State — Win
Alabama — Loss
Texas A&M — Loss
South Alabama — Win
South Carolina — Win
LSU — Loss
Oklahoma — Loss
Vanderbilt — Win
Tennessee — Win
Florida — Win
Missouri — Loss
Louisville — Win
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