Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (August 1, 2025)

Released on August 1, 2025, "KSR" is a daily sports talk podcast hosted by Matt Jones alongside the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM). In this episode, recorded live from the UK Football Media Day in Lexington, Kentucky, Matt Jones engages with key figures in UK athletics, including head coach Mark Stoops and athletic director Mitch Barnhart. The discussion revolves around team updates, infrastructure developments, financial allocations, and the broader landscape of college sports.

1. Opening Remarks and Event Overview

Matt Jones kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio, setting the scene at the UK Football Media Day:

• Matt Jones (01:05): "Welcome everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio Friday, August 1st. I'm Matt Jones here at UK Football Media Day in Lexington, Kentucky. An overcast day, but a day where we will have lots of guests on for throughout the two hours."

He briefly mentions the absence of significant non-sports content, emphasizing the focus on UK football.

2. First Impressions of UK Football Team

Matt and his co-hosts discuss their initial observations of the UK football team, noting the influx of new players and the expanded roster.

• Matt Jones (03:21): "So first impressions? Number one, Ryan, I don't know these people. I was looking around and I'm like, I don't recognize any of these players."

• Ryan Lemond (03:49): "Over 50 new players. I pointed out, trying to find Zach Calzada. First time I've ever seen him in person."

The conversation highlights the significant changes in the team's lineup, attributing it to scholarship increases and expansion of the roster to 120 players.

3. Infrastructure and Facility Upgrades

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on the planned upgrades to Kroger Field, including financial allocations and the delayed implementation of Wi-Fi services.

• Matt Jones (06:00): "So, Shannon, you should see this person. He's the... He looks like the Empire State Building."

• Mark Stoops (06:54): "Yeah, you could."

• Matt Jones (06:56): "I mean, they're gonna build a tunnel from the Nashville airport to downtown Nashville in six years."

Matt expresses skepticism over the timeline for Wi-Fi upgrades, while Drew Franklin (04:36) and Ryan Lemond (06:28) share their perspectives on the issue.

4. Financial Transparency and Revenue Sharing

A critical segment of the episode delves into the university's financial dealings, particularly concerning the confidentiality of revenue shares allocated to different sports programs.

• Matt Jones (06:43): "Mitch says we can't do it because our opponents won't do it. I mean, okay, but I can't believe our opponents don't have to do it either."

Matt voices concern over the lack of transparency in financial allocations, questioning how a public university can justify withholding such information.

• Matt Jones (08:43): "He did say what we were gonna have Wi fi, but in five years."

The hosts debate the implications of hiding revenue allocations, emphasizing the public university's responsibility to maintain financial openness.

5. Interview with Head Coach Mark Stoops

Mark Stoops joins the podcast for an in-depth interview, addressing team performance, recruiting, and personal updates.

Team Performance and Roster Changes

• Mark Stoops (11:34): "We had to get better up front, right? I mean, that's quite obvious."

Stoops discusses the strategic improvements in the offensive and defensive lines, highlighting the addition of new, stronger players.

Leadership and Discipline

• Mark Stoops (14:20): "There are definitely great leaders on this team."

He acknowledges past shortcomings in team discipline but emphasizes the current presence of strong leadership and a renewed focus on excellence.

Challenging Schedule and Future Prospects

• Mark Stoops (15:13): "Without a doubt... it's like, it is what it is, you know."

Stoops reflects on the demanding schedule ahead and expresses optimism about the team's preparedness to face upcoming challenges.

Personal Health and Motivation

• Mark Stoops (16:03): "I had to have my ankle replaced and I just... I feel a thousand times better."

He shares personal health updates and underscores his sustained motivation and competitive spirit despite past setbacks.

Handling Criticism and Program Sustainability

• Mark Stoops (20:57): "I accept it. I mean, like, listen... I have pride in what we do in our team, and that wasn't good enough."

Stoops candidly addresses criticisms of the program, reaffirming his commitment to improvement and the team's long-term success.

6. Interview with Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart

Mitch Barnhart provides insights into the administrative challenges facing UK athletics, particularly in light of recent legal settlements and financial constraints.

Navigating Legal and Financial Challenges

• Mitch Barnhart: Discusses the complexity of college athletics governance, including interactions with the NCAA and legislative bodies. He underscores the importance of maintaining stability amidst evolving regulations.

Resource Allocation and Program Support

• Shannon The Dude (26:26): "And so we're going to be involved. We're going to be at the maximum we can be okay to support our programs and not be disadvantaged."

Barnhart elaborates on the financial adjustments necessitated by the settlement, emphasizing strategic allocation of resources to sustain athletic programs without compromising competitiveness.

Transparency and Competitive Edge

• Shannon The Dude (35:50): "What part of the legal pieces and all that... It's really competitive for us."

He addresses concerns about financial transparency, balancing competitive advantages with student privacy rights and institutional priorities.

Future of College Athletics and Institutional Priorities

• Shannon The Dude (39:56): "We've got to find a way to ensure there's a pathway. It's too important for us as an institution..."

Barnhart speaks to the broader implications of college sports on the community and economy, advocating for sustainable practices that uphold the institution's reputation and community impact.

7. Hosts' Reflections on Interviews

Post-interviews, Matt Jones and his co-hosts discuss their impressions of Stoops and Barnhart, commending their transparency and candidness.

• Matt Jones (42:53): "Mitch has been a great athletic director... he was very candid."

• Ryan Lemond (43:00): "Very open, very candid, very straightforward."

Their positive reflections highlight the significance of genuine communication in addressing fan concerns and maintaining trust.

8. Conclusion and Upcoming Segments

Matt wraps up the episode by transitioning to player-focused discussions and teasing upcoming segments featuring players like Zach Calzada, Pete, and Bush Hampden.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones (06:36): "We are going to have WI fi in our brains before they have it at Kroger."

• Mark Stoops (14:20): "There are definitely great leaders on this team."

• Shannon The Dude (35:50): "Each institution has to make choices. What is important for one school might not be as important for another."

• Mark Stoops (20:57): "I feel, you know, when I say that, it's not just me saying that. I feel for the way we played and everything."

Key Takeaways:

• Team Evolution: UK football is undergoing significant changes with a large influx of new players, aiming to strengthen both offensive and defensive lines.

• Infrastructure Development: Planned upgrades to Kroger Field involve substantial financial investments, with debates surrounding the timeline and implementation of Wi-Fi services.

• Financial Transparency: Concerns were raised about the lack of clarity in revenue sharing among sports programs, highlighting the tension between competitive advantage and public accountability.

• Leadership and Strategy: Head Coach Mark Stoops and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart exhibit strong leadership, addressing past challenges and outlining strategic plans for future success.

• College Sports Landscape: The episode underscores the complexities of navigating college athletics amidst regulatory changes, financial constraints, and the need for institutional resilience.

This episode of "KSR" offers listeners an in-depth look into the current state and future direction of UK athletics, providing valuable insights from key stakeholders committed to fostering a competitive and transparent sports environment.