Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

1. Introduction to Hour 2

Timestamp: [00:00 - 01:05]
The episode begins with Matt Jones introducing the second hour of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), setting the stage for a deep dive into UK sports news and discussions.

2. Evolution of Club Blue in UK Athletics

Timestamp: [01:05 - 05:02]
Ryan Lemond initiates the conversation by addressing a listener’s question about the future role of Club Blue within UK athletics. Ryan explains that Club Blue will transition from merely providing financial support to players to taking on roles related to endorsements and player marketing.

Ryan Lemond [02:04]: "I think they'll still navigate a lot of the putting players with endorsers space."

Matt Jones acknowledges the importance of Club Blue's functionality in supporting UK’s athletic programs. The discussion anticipates further clarifications from Club Blue's management later in the summer.

3. Recruiting Strategies in UK Football and Basketball

Timestamp: [05:02 - 12:00]
The hosts delve into UK’s recent recruitment successes, particularly in football. Ryan attributes the influx of commitments to strategic efforts by the coaching staff, especially post Vince Gaught’s departure.

Ryan Lemond [03:05]: "UK Football has been on a hot streak with recruiting in the last few days. Do you think it is intentional trying to answer people's questions about if they can recruit with Vince Gaught? Without question? Sure."

Drew Franklin shares a highlight moment featuring highly-ranked recruit Messiah Tilson, who showcased his allegiance shifts from Wisconsin to Rutgers and finally to Kentucky, exemplifying UK’s aggressive and strategic recruitment tactics.

The conversation also touches upon recruiting rules changes effective July 1st, influencing early commitments in football.

4. Reality TV Discussions with Callers

Timestamp: [05:17 - 09:20]
A caller inquires about the hosts' opinions on popular reality TV shows like Love Island and Traders. Ryan admits unfamiliarity with recent seasons, while Drew Franklin shares his limited experience with the shows.

Ryan Lemond [05:32]: "Do you watch Love Island? I have not. I'm not against those kinds of shows. I just haven't gotten into it."

The hosts discuss the premise of these shows, their appeal, and speculate on celebrity participation, injecting humor and personal anecdotes into the conversation.

5. Hypothetical Scenario: Replacing Tom Leach

Timestamp: [08:22 - 12:25]
Caller Scott poses a hypothetical question about the retirement of Tom Leach and the possibility of replacing him with one of the hosts as a play-by-play announcer.

Scott [08:24]: "If Tom Leach would announce his retirement today, and they had to choose one of you four guys, which one would take his place?"

Drew and Ryan express humility and skepticism about their abilities in play-by-play roles, while Matt reveals his long-standing interest in pursuit of such a position.

6. Player Roster Management and Scholarship Rules

Timestamp: [12:00 - 16:02]
The discussion shifts to UK’s player roster, focusing on the management of walk-ons and scholarship players. Ryan and Drew analyze recent changes, including adjustments to scholarship limits from 13 to 15 players, allowing more flexibility in roster composition.

Matt Jones [13:10]: "Do you like that rule? It'll basically mean you have two extra scholarships. That's good but it'll probably mean they'll do less Sam Malone's in the future."

The hosts debate the implications of these changes on team dynamics and future recruitment, expressing optimism for strategic scholarship allocations.

7. Financial Health of Athletic Departments: UK vs. U of L

Timestamp: [16:02 - 29:19]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to comparing the financial strategies of UK and the University of Louisville (U of L) athletics departments. Ryan highlights a recent report indicating that U of L is operating at a $17 million deficit, which could escalate to $29 million without additional university support.

Ryan Lemond [25:12]: "Louisville is running a $17 million deficit in athletics in 2025. And that is after the university kicks in an extra 12 million."

In contrast, Matt commends UK Athletics for being self-sufficient and not requiring university funds, attributing this stability to the leadership of Eli Capilouto, Lee Todd, and Mitch Barnhart.

The hosts discuss the potential consequences of U of L seeking private investments, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the long-term sustainability of such approaches.

8. Experiences with Football Camps and Program Comparisons

Timestamp: [28:11 - 40:00]
Matt Jones shares his observations from visiting football camps at LSU and Alabama, juxtaposing them with UK’s camps. He notes the high energy and professionalism at LSU and Alabama, contrasting with a less engaging experience at UK’s camp.

Matt Jones [31:11]: "We went to LSU and went to Alabama...my son just walked out and just was like, you know, was. It wasn't really impressed with the camp."

Ryan and Drew agree, suggesting that while some schools excel in organizing impactful camps, others like UK might need to elevate their efforts to better engage young athletes and their families.

9. Listener Interaction: Bark in the Park and Defensive Front Analysis

Timestamp: [33:25 - 35:22]
A caller, Drew Franklin, discusses "Bark in the Park," a playful segment featuring dogs at ball games. The hosts humorously debate the practicality of having animals in stadiums.

Subsequently, Drew provides an analysis of UK’s defensive front for the upcoming football season, expressing skepticism about the cohesion of the new players and the challenges they might face.

Drew Franklin [34:31]: "There's so many new pieces, it's hard to say. ...There's a lot of familiar familiarity in the secondary behind them."

Matt counters by highlighting the experience within the defensive secondary, hinting at a balanced but uncertain outlook for the defensive front.

10. Concerns Over Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development

Timestamp: [40:01 - 44:48]
In a thought-provoking segment, Matt Jones raises concerns about the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. The discussion highlights the potential disruptions AI could cause in the labor market and societal structures.

Ryan Lemond [42:06]: "It's probably going to be the single greatest disrupting force in American life since the Industrial Revolution."

The hosts express fears about job losses, ethical implications, and the uncontrollable nature of AI, pondering the long-term effects on humanity and employment.

Ryan Lemond [44:32]: "What are we going to do if you have 20% unemployment in a country? Like, think about the unrest that happens."

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Lemond [02:04]: "I think they'll still navigate a lot of the putting players with endorsers space."
• Matt Jones [13:10]: "Do you like that rule? It'll basically mean you have two extra scholarships."
• Ryan Lemond [25:12]: "Louisville is running a $17 million deficit in athletics in 2025."
• Ryan Lemond [42:06]: "It's probably going to be the single greatest disrupting force in American life since the Industrial Revolution."

Conclusion

Throughout Hour 2 of Kentucky Sports Radio, hosts Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and Drew Franklin engage in comprehensive discussions covering UK’s athletic strategies, financial standings compared to U of L, recruiting tactics, and broader societal issues like the impact of AI. The episode combines expert analysis with interactive segments, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on both sports and pressing contemporary topics.