Stein Era Opens at Kentucky With Weather-Shortened Spring Game
A weather-shortened scrimmage offered only a first read on Kentucky’s new systems.
Overview
- Kentucky debuted under new head coach Will Stein at Kroger Field, with Saturday's spring game cut short by wind and rain for safety.
- Kenny Minchey, positioned as the starter for fall camp, delivered a steady day that showed growing timing with tight end Willie Rodriguez.
- Rodriguez stood out as the top target and drew praise from coaches and teammates, with observers viewing him as an NFL-caliber prospect.
- Jay Bateman’s defense played with force and scored in the scrimmage format that awards points for stops, though the offense finished ahead 23–18.
- Coaches held several likely starters with minor injuries, including Jovantae Barnes, C.J. Baxter, Lance Heard, and Hardley Gilmore IV, and the staff singled out freshman receiver Kenny Darby for his playmaking.