Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (August 1, 2025)

Hosted by Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon, and Chias Pete, “Kentucky Sports Radio” (KSR) delivers an in-depth look into the University of Kentucky’s (UK) football team dynamics, featuring exclusive interviews with key players as the team gears up for the upcoming season.

1. UK Football Media Day Highlights

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones discussing the recent UK Football Media Day, where the team took a group photo. There was noticeable absenteeism among key players, particularly from the offensive line.

Matt Jones [01:31]:
“We will be joined at some point here with players. They're talking to the print and TV media right now after having just taken the team picture. Although it didn't look like that wasn't the full team, was it? Because I feel like we have a lot more players than that.”

Ryan Lemon [01:54]:
“I still haven't seen like the big offensive line group like Jagger, Burton and those guys have not come out yet.”

The hosts express their observations about the incomplete team picture, noting the absence of several offensive linemen essential to the team’s structure.

2. Coach Mark Stoops’ Leadership and Team Morale

Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon delve into their growing confidence in Coach Mark Stoops' leadership, highlighting his emotional transparency and its positive impact on the team.

Ryan Lemon [02:27]:
“Absolutely. Every time I hear Mark Stoops talk, I get more and more sucked in. I'm not gonna lie. I mean, a couple of months ago, I was thinking they're gonna struggle to get four wins. Now I'm almost up to Shannon. Why can't they put together a...”

Matt Jones [03:00]:
“One of the things I like about Mark is that he wears his emotions honestly.”

They discuss how Stoops’ genuine emotional expression fosters trust and motivation among players, leading to elevated expectations for the season.

3. Interview with Chias Pete: Strengthening the Offensive Line

Chias Pete, a formidable addition to the UK offensive line, shares his journey from Montana to the Navajo Nation and ultimately to Lexington.

Chias Pete [06:21]:
“I’m originally from Montana. Grew up there. I'm in a military family, so dad had to move around a bit. Ended up getting stationed in Colorado, Fort Carson. Spent some time there and, you know, eventually, worked my way down to New Mexico onto the Navajo Nation and went to high school there. Did football there myself.”

Chias discusses the cultural transitions he experienced, moving from Montana’s Salish community to a structured military environment, and then to a rural reservation in New Mexico. He emphasizes how these experiences shaped his resilience and adaptability on the field.

Chias Pete [12:41]:
“We have a lot of new guys, inexperienced ones, and we also have a bunch of experienced guys coming in from a different... We’re beasts of no nation.”

In a light-hearted exchange, Chias introduces the offensive line’s nickname, “Beasts of No Nation,” highlighting the group’s diverse and formidable nature.

4. Interview with Zach Calzada: Quarterback Leadership and Vision

Zach Calzada, UK’s quarterback, discusses his decision to return to Kentucky, his leadership role, and his aspirations for the team’s success.

Zach Calzada [17:33]:
“It’s been a great experience since I’ve been back. You know, the players, the coaches, I feel like everybody has a great mentality. So that’s what was really refreshing coming in, and everybody’s just ready to work.”

Zach reflects on his journey through various programs, including Auburn and Incarnate Word, and how these experiences have honed his leadership skills. He expresses confidence in the team’s talent and mentality, aiming for a competitive edge in the SEC.

Zach Calzada [21:06]:
“That was the same quarterback before me, Cam Ward. He showed me through for 4, 600 yards the year before. I was like, no question. Let me come do the same thing and...gain back my love for the game.”

Zach credits former quarterbacks like Cam Ward for inspiring his commitment to excel and lead the team to victory.

5. Interview with Jamari Macklin: Punter Breaking New Ground

Jamari Macklin, UK’s punter from South Africa, brings a unique international perspective to the team. He shares his transition from rugby to American football and his goals within the UK program.

Jamari Macklin [27:04]:
“My family moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2017 through high school and I joined the football team to make friends. I played rugby. Rugby was my main sport. I wanted to play for the USA Eagles.”

Jamari recounts his journey from South Africa to college football in the United States, highlighting his determination to excel despite challenges.

Jamari Macklin [33:15]:
“The people are really nice, man. And being able to fish, too. A lot of fishing.”

Outside of football, Jamari enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and appreciates the community vibe in Lexington.

Jamari Macklin [38:32]:
“We are ready to run through a brick wall. We are ready to do it. We know what last year looked like. We understand that. We are trying to grow from there.”

Jamari underscores the team’s improved culture and collective determination to overcome past shortcomings, fostering a united front for the upcoming season.

6. Season Outlook and Team Dynamics

The hosts and guests discuss the team's schedule, rivalries, and potential standout players to watch. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, competition, and maintaining a positive culture within the locker room.

Chias Pete [44:35]:
“If we want to play for each other and run through a wall for Kentucky, we don't know what the final product will be, but I'm excited to see how it pans out.”

Jamari Macklin [40:43]:
“We are ready to run through a brick wall. We are ready to do it. We know what last year looked like. We are trying to grow from there.”

Both statements reflect the team’s readiness to overcome challenges and strive for excellence, setting an optimistic tone for the season.

7. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a round of light-hearted banter among the hosts and guests, celebrating the team’s solidarity and the exciting journey ahead for UK’s football program.

Matt Jones [44:39]:
"These are my UK shoes. They only come out for special occasions. These were specifically big shoe day."

Ryan Lemon [42:07]:
“Jagger lives on Lake Harrington. Down here. Get him. He’ll take you out fishing all the time.”

The camaraderie among the team members and hosts showcases the strong community spirit that KSR fosters, leaving listeners engaged and looking forward to the team's progress.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [03:00]:
  “One of the things I like about Mark is that he wears his emotions honestly.”

• Chias Pete [12:41]:
  “We’re beasts of no nation.”

• Zach Calzada [21:06]:
  “Let me come do the same thing and...gain back my love for the game.”

• Jamari Macklin [38:32]:
  “We are ready to run through a brick wall. We are ready to do it.”

This episode of KSR provides a comprehensive look into the University of Kentucky's football team, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and unified goals of its players, and setting the stage for an inspiring and competitive season.