Entering the 2023 season, the Kentucky Wildcats have been touted as the team to watch out for as a dark horse to compete for the Southeastern Conference crown. For many, the talent alone on the roster for the upcoming season is enough to give hope to the Big Blue Nation as a competitive suitor to challenge Georgia in the East. Yet, many points to the return of the Offensive Coordinator, Liam Coen, for the uptick in excitement surrounding Kentucky Football ahead of the 2023 season.

In the off-season, Coach Mark Stoops promised the Big Blue Nation a complete overhaul of the program after a disappointing 7-6 season in 2022. For Coach Stoops and his staff, the expectations for his program are to reach Atlanta compete for an SEC Championship, then have the chance to reach the College Football Playoffs. Coach Stoops realizes the Wildcats have been close to obtaining the goal but have not gotten the cigar of victory.

During the off-season, Coach Mark Stoops first set out to find the replacement for Will Levis. Will Levis finished his career at Kentucky by being a second-round NFL Draft going to the Tennessee Titans. Coach Stoops and his assistant, Vince Marrow, plucked Devin Leary from the transfer portal. Leary started his college career at NC State, where he excelled and broke school records. Many consider Devin Leary one of the best quarterbacks to come out of the transfer portal in 2023. Coach Stoops also knew he needed to replace Chris Rodriguez as running back from last season. Coach Stoops and his staff dipped just south of Lexington, Kentucky, and signed Ray Davis from Vanderbilt. Ray Davis played against Kentucky last season and led the Commodores in a 24-21 win over Kentucky.

Elsewhere on the offensive side of the ball, Kentucky returns their entire receiver core. Barion Brown, Dane Key, Tayvion Robinson, and Jordan Dingle will provide Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen with more than enough explosive firepower to turn Kentucky into a threat in 2023. Not to mention, Kentucky will have experience returning on the offensive line protecting Leary and Davis to make plays for Kentucky.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kentucky has five guys returning to give the Wildcats a bit of talent and leadership to conquer the 2023 season. Tre’vonn Rybka, Deone Walker, JJ Weaver, D’Eryk Jackson, and Jordan Lovett will be the heart and soul of the 2023 Kentucky defensive unit. Coach Stoops mentioned Defensive Coordinator Brad White as the brains behind the hearty unit. Coach Stoops expects his defensive unit under the leadership of Brad White to continue to grow into the premier unit of the Southeastern Conference.

Overall, the season for Kentucky will rely heavily on November. Kentucky has three challenging road trips against Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Louisville to go with one home game against Alabama. Going 3-1 in November will be crucial for the Wildcats as they try to earn a bid to a New Year Six Bowl and maybe have a shot to win the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division. Finishing anything less than 3-1 and the Wildcats will likely be heading back to the Music City Bowl or the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Kentucky will open its season on September 2nd at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, against Ball State.