Jon Hale
@jonhalehl.bsky.social
Kentucky football reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader.
NEW: There’s been a lot of talk about the age of the new UK football coaches, but the actual numbers might surprise you.
A closer look at the advantage of youth in the new era of college football and how much has changed from the Stoops era. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A closer look at the advantage of youth in the new era of college football and how much has changed from the Stoops era. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The new UK football staff is young, but it might not be as young as you think
Will Stein will be one of the youngest head coaches in the country next season, but he has not shied away from hiring young assistants, too.
www.kentucky.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:38 PM
NEW: There’s been a lot of talk about the age of the new UK football coaches, but the actual numbers might surprise you.
A closer look at the advantage of youth in the new era of college football and how much has changed from the Stoops era. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A closer look at the advantage of youth in the new era of college football and how much has changed from the Stoops era. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: We know what Will Stein’s first UK football roster will look like, but how good will the Wildcats be in 2026?
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reasons for excitement — and concern — on Will Stein’s first UK football roster
We know what Will Stein’s first Kentucky football roster will look like, but is it good enough to compete in the SEC?
www.kentucky.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:52 PM
NEW: We know what Will Stein’s first UK football roster will look like, but how good will the Wildcats be in 2026?
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Kenny Minchey's profile as a transfer might give some Kentucky fans Brock Vandagriff flashbacks, but I caught up with his former HS coach (who played in the NFL) to see why he's confident Minchey can be a star at Kentucky. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What should UK fans expect from QB Kenny Minchey? ‘He’s got it all.’
Kentucky coach Will Stein bets on former Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey. Learn what Wildcats fans should expect as he competes to lead UK’s offense this season.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:17 PM
NEW: Kenny Minchey's profile as a transfer might give some Kentucky fans Brock Vandagriff flashbacks, but I caught up with his former HS coach (who played in the NFL) to see why he's confident Minchey can be a star at Kentucky. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: The bulk of Will Stein's first UK football roster is set.
Here's a position-by-position look at the roster after the portal window. Who left? Who was added? What's the outlook? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's a position-by-position look at the roster after the portal window. Who left? Who was added? What's the outlook? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The bulk of Will Stein’s first Kentucky roster is set. Here’s what you need to know
A position-by-position look at the 2026 UK football roster after more than 30 transfer additions.
www.kentucky.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:13 PM
NEW: The bulk of Will Stein's first UK football roster is set.
Here's a position-by-position look at the roster after the portal window. Who left? Who was added? What's the outlook? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's a position-by-position look at the roster after the portal window. Who left? Who was added? What's the outlook? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Your UK football roster breakdown post portal.
January 19, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Your UK football roster breakdown post portal.
The football transfer portal closes tonight. Today is also the deadline to enroll in full-term classes for UK's spring semester.
There might be a little wiggle room to still get transfers in for spring practice, but the bulk of Will Stein's first roster should be wrapped up soon
There might be a little wiggle room to still get transfers in for spring practice, but the bulk of Will Stein's first roster should be wrapped up soon
January 16, 2026 at 2:37 PM
The football transfer portal closes tonight. Today is also the deadline to enroll in full-term classes for UK's spring semester.
There might be a little wiggle room to still get transfers in for spring practice, but the bulk of Will Stein's first roster should be wrapped up soon
There might be a little wiggle room to still get transfers in for spring practice, but the bulk of Will Stein's first roster should be wrapped up soon
NEW: The Champions Blue Board of Governors reviewed five enhancements coming to Kroger Field this morning. The first of the projects will be done this offseason. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Enhancements coming to Kroger Field as UK looks to generate new revenue
The Champions Blue board of governors moved ahead with plans for a $25 million renovation to Kroger Field at its Thursday meeting.
www.kentucky.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:02 PM
NEW: The Champions Blue Board of Governors reviewed five enhancements coming to Kroger Field this morning. The first of the projects will be done this offseason. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: No position on the Kentucky roster required more work when the portal opened than offensive line.
But in just more than a week Will Stein and his staff have turned that question into a strength. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But in just more than a week Will Stein and his staff have turned that question into a strength. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein has flipped O-line from question to strength for Kentucky football
The new UK football staff had to replace Kentucky’s entire starting offensive line.
www.kentucky.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:15 PM
NEW: No position on the Kentucky roster required more work when the portal opened than offensive line.
But in just more than a week Will Stein and his staff have turned that question into a strength. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But in just more than a week Will Stein and his staff have turned that question into a strength. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
Ray Davis was selected 1st team All Pro special teams. That’s a pretty rare accomplishment.
January 11, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Ray Davis was selected 1st team All Pro special teams. That’s a pretty rare accomplishment.
NEW: We now know Willie Rodriguez is coming back, but who else will Kenny Minchey have to throw to? List of portal receiver targets is expanding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Willie Rodriguez is coming back, but UK still needs more receivers for new offense
One of the most important players on the roster announced his return Thursday.
www.kentucky.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:45 AM
NEW: We now know Willie Rodriguez is coming back, but who else will Kenny Minchey have to throw to? List of portal receiver targets is expanding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Start your morning with a look at where UK football's transfer class sits right now and what positions still need starter-level additions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here’s where Kentucky football still needs help as transfer class takes shape
UK found its transfer quarterback, but the Wildcats still need help at other positions.
www.kentucky.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:38 PM
NEW: Start your morning with a look at where UK football's transfer class sits right now and what positions still need starter-level additions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On3 reports Nasir Addison has removed his name from the transfer portal. That's good news for UK's CB room. He looked good in two fill-in starts in 2025, then missed last two games while preserving a redshirt season. www.on3.com/college/kent...
Kentucky defender withdraws from NCAA Transfer Portal
.
www.on3.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:27 PM
On3 reports Nasir Addison has removed his name from the transfer portal. That's good news for UK's CB room. He looked good in two fill-in starts in 2025, then missed last two games while preserving a redshirt season. www.on3.com/college/kent...
This move reminds me a lot of Liam Coen targeting Will Levis as a transfer. A bet on the physical tools despite lack of starter reps.
NEW: Will Stein has apparently found his starting QB for 2026. Instead of waiting on Sam Leavitt's final decision, he flipped the QB Nebraska has targeted as its top option. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky lands Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey as replacement for Cutter Boley
New UK coach Will Stein quickly pivoted Monday to land an in-demand transfer quarterback.
www.kentucky.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:27 AM
This move reminds me a lot of Liam Coen targeting Will Levis as a transfer. A bet on the physical tools despite lack of starter reps.
NEW: Will Stein has apparently found his starting QB for 2026. Instead of waiting on Sam Leavitt's final decision, he flipped the QB Nebraska has targeted as its top option. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky lands Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey as replacement for Cutter Boley
New UK coach Will Stein quickly pivoted Monday to land an in-demand transfer quarterback.
www.kentucky.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:55 AM
NEW: Will Stein has apparently found his starting QB for 2026. Instead of waiting on Sam Leavitt's final decision, he flipped the QB Nebraska has targeted as its top option. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Catching up on a busy first transfer portal weekend for Will Stein, Kentucky. Here's what you need to know to start the week. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The latest on UK football transfer class after Will Stein’s first portal weekend
Kentucky is waiting on a decision from Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt.
www.kentucky.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM
NEW: Catching up on a busy first transfer portal weekend for Will Stein, Kentucky. Here's what you need to know to start the week. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
One thing to remember about transfer portal visit lists: Getting the first visit is often huge. Last winter a bunch of transfers committed before ever actually making their later scheduled visits.
January 2, 2026 at 6:16 PM
One thing to remember about transfer portal visit lists: Getting the first visit is often huge. Last winter a bunch of transfers committed before ever actually making their later scheduled visits.
NEW: The transfer portal is officially open. Here's a look at UK's shopping list over the next two weeks.
QB is now the biggest need, but OL, CB LB, DL, WR, P also probably need starter-caliber transfers. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
QB is now the biggest need, but OL, CB LB, DL, WR, P also probably need starter-caliber transfers. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
As transfer portal opens, Will Stein, UK football need help at these positions
Will Stein and the rest of the new UK football staff have work to do in the transfer market over the next two weeks.
www.kentucky.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:52 AM
NEW: The transfer portal is officially open. Here's a look at UK's shopping list over the next two weeks.
QB is now the biggest need, but OL, CB LB, DL, WR, P also probably need starter-caliber transfers. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
QB is now the biggest need, but OL, CB LB, DL, WR, P also probably need starter-caliber transfers. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: UK QB Cutter Boley is transferring.
Will Stein was noncommittal in public comments about Boley since taking the UK job. Now he's in the market for a new starting QB. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein was noncommittal in public comments about Boley since taking the UK job. Now he's in the market for a new starting QB. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky football QB Cutter Boley is entering the transfer portal
New UK football coach Will Stein will need to find a new starting quarterback.
www.kentucky.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:21 PM
NEW: UK QB Cutter Boley is transferring.
Will Stein was noncommittal in public comments about Boley since taking the UK job. Now he's in the market for a new starting QB. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein was noncommittal in public comments about Boley since taking the UK job. Now he's in the market for a new starting QB. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: DJ Waller is the first projected starter to announce plans to transfer after the UK coaching change. Here's a rundown of the Wildcats we know are leaving so far. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
These UK football players have announced plans to transfer after coaching change
Kentucky lost its first projected starter to the transfer portal Wednesday.
www.kentucky.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:02 PM
NEW: DJ Waller is the first projected starter to announce plans to transfer after the UK coaching change. Here's a rundown of the Wildcats we know are leaving so far. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: The latest hires for UK football staff prove we need to start talking about assistant coach positions differently.
There is no such thing as on-field and off-field coaches anymore. Will Stein is using the 2024 rule change to build a new kind of staff www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
There is no such thing as on-field and off-field coaches anymore. Will Stein is using the 2024 rule change to build a new kind of staff www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein’s supersized UK staff reflects changes in college football landscape
UK football’s new coach appears to be taking full advantage of a NCAA rule change in constructing his staff.
www.kentucky.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:23 PM
NEW: The latest hires for UK football staff prove we need to start talking about assistant coach positions differently.
There is no such thing as on-field and off-field coaches anymore. Will Stein is using the 2024 rule change to build a new kind of staff www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
There is no such thing as on-field and off-field coaches anymore. Will Stein is using the 2024 rule change to build a new kind of staff www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Here's the latest update on Will Stein's UK football staff.
Looks like there is one spot left among the 10 recruiting positions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Looks like there is one spot left among the 10 recruiting positions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein’s first UK football staff is almost full. Here is the latest update
There is one spot remaining on Will Stein’s 11-man Kentucky football staff.
www.kentucky.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:19 PM
NEW: Here's the latest update on Will Stein's UK football staff.
Looks like there is one spot left among the 10 recruiting positions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Looks like there is one spot left among the 10 recruiting positions. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Three takeaways from new UK OC Joe Sloan's introductory presser:
1. On Cutter Boley, Willie Rodriguez
2. Running Will Stein's offense
3. OL transfers needed again www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
1. On Cutter Boley, Willie Rodriguez
2. Running Will Stein's offense
3. OL transfers needed again www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
New UK OC Joe Sloan is a fan of Cutter Boley, Willie Rodriguez
Here is what we learned at the introductory news conference for new UK offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.
www.kentucky.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
NEW: Three takeaways from new UK OC Joe Sloan's introductory presser:
1. On Cutter Boley, Willie Rodriguez
2. Running Will Stein's offense
3. OL transfers needed again www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
1. On Cutter Boley, Willie Rodriguez
2. Running Will Stein's offense
3. OL transfers needed again www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Can UK athletes arrange NIL deals outside of JMI? Why the secrecy on rev sharing split? Does basketball need a GM? What about those retirement rumors?
All that and more in a one-on-one interview with Mitch Barnhart. bit.ly/3KN9ejJ
All that and more in a one-on-one interview with Mitch Barnhart. bit.ly/3KN9ejJ
Q&A: Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart responds to criticism of JMI deal, NIL setup
UK AD Mitch Barnhart sat down with the Herald-Leader to address recent fan complaints about Kentucky’s NIL situation.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 12:07 PM
NEW: Can UK athletes arrange NIL deals outside of JMI? Why the secrecy on rev sharing split? Does basketball need a GM? What about those retirement rumors?
All that and more in a one-on-one interview with Mitch Barnhart. bit.ly/3KN9ejJ
All that and more in a one-on-one interview with Mitch Barnhart. bit.ly/3KN9ejJ
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football 2026 schedule: Dates for Oklahoma trip, matchup with Jon Sumrall set
The SEC unveiled dates for the 2026 Kentucky football schedule Thursday. Will Stein’s first season will feature a matchup with Jon Sumrall and trip to Oklahoma.
www.kentucky.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:49 AM
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.
Reports: Will Stein hiring Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman at UK
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.