2026-03-09- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

KSR Podcast Summary: 2026-03-09 – Hour 2

Podcast: Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR)
Hosts: Matt Jones, Co-hosts/Analysts, Will Stein (UK Head Football Coach, guest)
Date: March 9, 2026
Main Theme: In-depth conversation with new Kentucky Head Football Coach Will Stein about his approach to rebuilding the program, roster construction, expectations for the season, and the mentality he’s bringing to UK Football.

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Episode Overview

This episode features an extended interview with Will Stein in his new role as head coach of the University of Kentucky football team. The discussion covers his transition into head coaching, the challenges and strategies involved in rapidly building a roster, his football philosophy, and expectations heading into a daunting SEC schedule. The hosts and callers also touch on recruiting challenges, fan support, and optimism for the future, coining memorable phrases that are sure to resonate with Big Blue Nation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Will Stein's Transition and Coaching Philosophy

• Practice the Practice:
  • Stein describes the logistical complexity of football practices, explaining their approach:

    "Like, dude, there’s so many moving parts in a football practice. ... So you plan, you prepare. ... We practice the practice today." — Will Stein [03:38]

• CEO Role:
  • Shift from offensive coordinator to head coach involves overseeing all program facets: training, nutrition, media, and donor relations.
  • Excitement at leading Kentucky, emphasizing the significance for himself and the program.

Building the Roster: Recruitment and the Transfer Portal

• Rapid Turnover and Assembling a Team:
  • Stein took the job on December 2; with signing day on December 3, fast decisions were crucial.
  • Massive recruitment blitz:

    "We had 66 official visits in a 12 day span. Yeah, that was freaking unbelievable, man." — Will Stein [05:55]

• Portal Power:
  • Brought in 34 transfer portal players, with heavy focus on building both offensive and defensive lines.
  • Emphasizes the SEC (and college football in general) is won “up front” — strong linemen are foundational.
  • Praise for his staff’s around-the-clock commitment and coordination across time zones.

Adopting and Adapting Winning Models

• Draws inspiration from Alabama (Nick Saban), Georgia (Kirby Smart), and Dan Lanning at Oregon.
• Expresses admiration for Indiana's recent championship run—emphasizes alignment, plan execution, and top-down consistency.

Quarterback and Offensive Playmakers

• Kenneth Minchey (QB):
  • Notre Dame transfer, described as “a glue guy”:

    "You put Kenny Minchi in the room and he’s a glue guy. ... As a player ... there’s pro throws all over the tape. ... Anticipation, timing, touch, velocity, pocket mobility." — Will Stein [10:01]

  • Praises Minchey's intelligence and quick adaptation to Stein’s offensive system.
• Skill Players:
  • High on core receivers like Nick Anderson, DJ Miller, and JK in the slot, as well as tight end Willie Rodriguez.
  • Tight ends seen as important versatile weapons in the offense.
  • Confident in the offensive line’s quality and depth.

Football Identity: Toughness, Process, and Mentality

• Core trait of “toughness” drilled during offseason Phase 1, called "The Hunt":

  "One of our core DNA traits is toughness and that’s really what winter phase one, or the Hunt ... was all about." — Will Stein [05:05]

• Philosophy for 2026 team:
  • Connectivity, toughness, relentless play style.
  • "Six seconds of friggin hell" will be a motto for fast, intense football:

    “Six seconds of hell. Is that the phrase? ... Get the T shirts.” — Matt Jones & Will Stein [12:27-13:18]

• Special teams will be aggressive and feature the best players.

Facing An "Insane" Schedule

• Stein is undaunted by what’s described as perhaps the toughest schedule Kentucky has ever had.

  "If you’re scared, go to church, bro." — Will Stein [16:20]

  • Excitement about facing marquee programs, highlighting the opportunity to prove themselves.
  • Focuses on process, not fear, and adjusting after each challenge.

Recruiting In-State and Beyond

• Commitment to recruiting the Commonwealth first, but will recruit anywhere for talent.

  “You either want to be a part of this or you don’t.” — Will Stein [22:08]

  • Emphasizes traditional relationship-based recruiting, not just NIL or facilities.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the approach to challenges:

  “Cut it loose, man. Don’t be scared. ... And not being afraid to fail. Like, just go cut it freaking loose.” — Will Stein [17:30, 18:53]

• On culture:

  "We're going to be connected... Play relentless football from point A to point B. Six seconds of hell." — Will Stein [12:05–13:18]

• On recruiting:

  “I’m not gonna beg, man. I’m not. You either want to be a part of this or you don’t.” — Will Stein [22:08]

• Regarding fan support:

  “Big Blue Nation is even more than I could have ever known. ... I was a part of Big Blue Nation as a fan, but to see how dedicated they are to the Wildcats, all of our sports." — Will Stein [20:22]

• Matt’s Reflection:

  “You’ve created two sayings that will outlive this interview: 'Six seconds of hell', and 'if you’re scared, go to church.' ... I know this fan base. Both of those, you’re going to be hearing for a long time.” — Matt Jones [23:24]

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Topic | |---------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:07 | Will Stein interview begins | | 03:38 | "Practice the practice" explanation | | 05:05 | The meaning of "The Hunt" and offseason toughness | | 05:55 | Intense portal and recruitment efforts | | 07:42 | Building in the trenches: O-line and D-line philosophy | | 09:53 | QB Kenneth Minchey evaluation | | 12:05 | Will’s holistic approach: “Six seconds of hell” | | 14:59 | Playmakers at WR and TE (Willie Rodriguez praise) | | 16:20 | Mentality on tough schedule: “If you’re scared, go to church” | | 19:22 | On focusing only on the next game: “September 5" | | 20:22 | Surprises about Kentucky and Big Blue Nation | | 21:39 | Aussie punters and special teams philosophy | | 22:08 | In-state recruiting and overall approach | | 23:24 | “Six seconds of hell” & "If you're scared, go to church" | | 27:32 | Post-interview host reactions: youth, excitement, energy |

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Host, Analyst, and Caller Reactions

• Hosts highlight Stein’s infectious enthusiasm, program-first attitude, and willingness to attack challenges directly.
• Listeners echo excitement and optimism, with calls for increased fan support, especially for the spring game.
• “Six seconds of hell” and “If you’re scared, go to church” immediately catch on as new rallying cries.

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Summary Takeaways

• Will Stein brings a fresh, fearless, and tenacious leadership style to Kentucky football, emphasizing toughness, preparation, and connection.
• The roster has been rebuilt in record time with a significant focus on the lines and key skill positions. Stein is high on QB Minchey and expects an aggressive, modern offense.
• Stein is committed to recruiting in-state first but won’t hesitate to pursue players nationwide.
• He’s undeterred by a daunting schedule, preferring to embrace it as an opportunity for Kentucky to define itself.
• The interview left hosts and fans energized for the new era, with several new slogans firmly established: "Six seconds of hell" and “If you’re scared, go to church.”

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For UK football fans, this episode gives a comprehensive, inspiring primer on the Will Stein era and what to expect in 2026. Stein’s blend of energy, candor, and substance suggests big things ahead for Wildcat football.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Matt Jones]

Hello?

[Caller]

Is anybody there?

[Podcast Host]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Will Stein]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Will Stein]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Will Stein]

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[Will Stein]

welcome to hour two of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back hour to Kentucky Sports Radio. Now, happy to be joined for only the second time since he's been coach and first time since he's been sort of around the the job is head coach Will Stein. Will, people can't see this, but I'm looking at you through these cameras and love the hat you're wearing. How's everything going?

[Will Stein]

It's going great, man. I'm so excited to be on the show. Thanks for having me. We actually just practiced our practice for tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

What does that mean? Practice your practice?

[Will Stein]

Like, dude, there's so many moving parts in a football practice. If we were to go out there tomorrow and have not have walked where we're going to be, the spots on the field, what are these transitions look like? It would have looked like a hot pile of dog S H I T so what do you do as a football coach? You plan, you prepare. And now I believe the kids are going to go out tomorrow and be able to take all the anxious energy out because they know where they're going in those spots, you know, what the drills look like. And so yeah, we just, we practice the practice today.

[Matt Jones]

How much of a change is it? I mean, you haven't been a head coach this year. There's a sort of CEO management part of that. Is that something that, how much of a change is that from what you've done up until this point?

[Will Stein]

I would say it's, it's been a definitely a change. You know, I'm used to being in the offensive staff room with just the offensive coaches recruiting, really the offensive side of the ball. So now when you're head coach, you deal with every facet of the program. Strength and conditioning, nutrition, training room, you know, donor relations, more media. But you know, I get to be a head coach like how cool is that? And to do it here in Kentucky, where, you know, I'm so excited to be and just ready to get rolling with these guys in spring ball. I know they're eager to get out on the football field. They've been working now eight weeks straight and what we've called the Hunt to get prepared for this phase two of our offseason.

[Matt Jones]

So tell me what that, what, what do you mean, the hunt? What does that mean?

[Will Stein]

You know, it's, it's the grind. You know, it's, it's everything leading up to spring football. It's, it's the early winter workouts. It's, you know, just the drills that are combative and, and make you strain and, you know, make you want to tap out, which is, you know, the mental warfare of playing football. But you know, one of our core DNA traits is toughness and that's really what winter phase one, or the Hunt, as we called it, was all about.

[Matt Jones]

Well, well, let's talk about your, the you, your team and specifically how you built. I mean you had to essentially create a team from scratch. You, you obviously are keeping a number of guys. I look at the class you brought in in the roster and it seems to me that you spent a lot of your rev share money, but also your attention on building this core offensive line. Am I correct in that?

[Will Stein]

100%?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah.

[Will Stein]

When I got the job, it was December 2nd and December 3rd was signing day. Think about that. Yeah, you have no, you can't build a 26 class in 12 hours. It's absolutely impossible. So, you know, I liked a lot of the kids that we kept on. I mean all of them, we, we kept them. And I think there's actually some, some really good players in that group out of the 10 that we signed. And then I believe it was 34 portal guys. And think about this. We had 66 official visits in a 12 day span. Yeah, that was freaking unbelievable, man. Like the work of Pat Biondo, Pete Nocta, Joe Sloan, Jay Bateman, the guys that were here, boots on ground while I was going back and forth between Oregon and Lexington. I mean, it's really incredible. I. There needs to be some sort of book or, or something written or documented about how they were able to be here working with me and Oregon and us all working together on different time zones to assemble what we believe is a really strong class. And you mentioned the offensive line. I think online D line in this league, man, that's where it starts. And it. The winning football in November, December, January is up Front. Like, you think about Indiana and what they were able to do in their run. I mean, Fernando Mendoza, phenomenal player. But how did they beat Miami? They ran the freaking football. They ran the ball. How did Miami get to where they were? They have a dominant offensive line and running backs that are big and physical. So that's where it's won. The Georgia Bulldog teams of old Alabama, Saban teams, it's a common denominator. It's having big, giant human beings that are physical up front on the O line and D line so we can throw the ball down the field so we can run the ball in the fourth quarter, win so we can stop the run, so we can affect the quarterback. That's where it's won. And that was a major, major piece of this puzzle.

[Matt Jones]

And I think that surprised some people because we have this stereotype of organ as just throw it around and there's athletes everywhere and, and, and you did that. You, you played Indiana twice last year and they. And they handled you guys fairly well. Was that. Do you see the way you build this Kentucky program? Is Indiana a model? I mean, Indiana was maybe the worst program in the major conference in the country, or is it kind of a model? How do you see that?

[Will Stein]

Well, I mean, I think any team that wins it all is obviously doing something right. So the model of consistency has always been Nick Saban and what he was able to do at Alabama, and that really transitioned into Kirby Smart. And so I have learned that model per se in the vision and eyes of Dan Lanning. That's going to translate to now my vision and model for us here at the University of Kentucky. So, you know, I look at Kirk Signetti and what he was able to do there. Obviously they're aligned from the top down, but I still remember looking at visuals of the first game at IU in that tenure, and it was a half full stadium. So, you know, they got momentum, they had, you know, big wins early, and they've, they've done it not just offensively, but defensively, special teams. And you can see just as a program that they're extremely aligned and they have a plan and they're going and attacking that plan. So that's what I'm excited about is, you know, given, you know, the resources that we have at our disposal, I think we've done an excellent job so far. But it's, it's potential. It's everything that we're not. And that's what I've always learned about that word is potential is everything that you're not. So how do we take the narrative of what Kentucky may have been in the past and. And push the envelope forward? And that's what we're doing right now. And I think we have great coaches, number one, phenomenal players that are bought in right now. And I'm just excited to get rolling.

[Matt Jones]

All right, let's talk about the team because we're all going to have to learn this team quarterback didn't know who he was until I heard he was about to come here. Kenneth mentioned. So tell everybody. This is going to be kind of, for a lot of people, their first real description from someone they trust about who the quarterback is going to be year. Tell me about Minji.

[Will Stein]

Well, he went to Notre Dame, so we all know he's not very smart if he wants. No, he's extremely intelligent.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Right.

[Will Stein]

Extremely intelligent, can fit in any room. Just talking about him as a person. Old, young, white, black, rich, poor, it doesn't matter. You put Kenny Minchi in the room and he's a glue guy. So when I have glue guys as my quarterback, to me that makes the locker room better, makes the locker room more connected. So I'm really excited about him just as a person, he's extremely competitive. And then as a player, like we all watch the tape and you could say, well, he played a mop up time I did it right. He did. There's truth to that. But when you watch the throws, there's pro throws all over the tape. There's anticipation, there's timing, there's touch, there's velocity, there's pocket mobility. He can throw the deep ball, he can throw it intermediate and short. So that's what I'm excited about. And it's, it's been pretty impressive to see him take this offense that we've built up to this point. And it was almost like he's been in it for four years. So that gives me great excitement for his ability to transition and really show his ability to play football at a high level here. And I talked to Mike Denbrock, talked to Geno Goduli, talked to these guys at Notre Dame that have coached him the last four years. And it was really like a coin toss. You know, obviously Coach Freeman had the final say and who was going to be the guy and they went with a younger player and. But I'm just excited that Kenny's here with us and I think our fans are going to be.

[Matt Jones]

Has he been all that you hoped like? Has he been 100%?

[Will Stein]

He's an excellent player person and again, ready to see him take the range of this offense over the next 15 practices.

[Matt Jones]

All right, let's assume that I was hosting Kentucky Countdown to Kickoff and Will Stein was not the coach, but he was our expert commentator. Give me a minute to minute and a half. What do I, as a fan look for in this Kentucky team? Who are some people that stick out to you and when they come to the spring game here in a little while, who's going to be like, okay, that is the basis for who this team will be.

[Will Stein]

Well, I think you just first look at just us holistically, like who we are as a team. We're going to be connected, like connected in every sense possible. Our players are going to be connected to each other, that they're going to play their absolute butts off for each other. Play relentless football from point A to point D, six point point A to point B. Six seconds of hell. Like offense, defense, special team.

[Matt Jones]

Six seconds of hell. Is that the phrase?

[Will Stein]

Seconds of friggin hell, man.

[Matt Jones]

Get the T shirts of hell. That's the first time I've heard that. Gotcha. Yes.

[Will Stein]

So that's something that we're going to, you know, hang our hats on is just the connectivity of the, of the, of the team. And like I mentioned player to player, coach to player connection. And then coaches that truly love each other and are passionate about working with each other, you know, that's one. Like, I want our team to play clean. Like obviously limit penalties, limit explosive plays. Guys that can play the same call on offense, defense and special teams every single snap. That's huge to us. You know, offensively too, I think you're going to look at like a mod, modern, pro style offense. What does that mean? Like we change the tempo up. It's not fast paced every single snap. We have the ability to go fast, we have the ability to slow it down. Huddle.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We have.

[Will Stein]

We can huddle, we can huddle. Speed break. We can do a bunch of stuff at the line of scrimmage to change the play to get us in the best possible scenario. You're going to see RPOs, you're gonna see shots, see vertical passing game, different run schemes. You know, I believe we put an exciting product on the field on offense. And then defensively, I mean, we're going to be extremely sound, but attacking like a team that will put pressure on the quarterback, cause havoc on the quarterback. A third down package, to me, that is the best in college football. With what Jay was able to do at Texas A and M with him and Coach Elko So that's really exciting as well. And then special teams is all about changing the game. That's our mantra on special teams. How do we change the game? You know, I'm a risk taker. Like, I want to get the ball back for offense. What does that look like each game? It can differ from, you know, surprise on sides, fake punts, punt block situations, you know, gate formations on special teams and extra points. Like, I want to put pressure on the opposing team through special teams. It is one third of the game and you're going to see our best players playing on special teams. It's not just an opportunity to take a playoff. It's an opportunity for us to really change the game. So I'm really fired up. The players are doing a great job, you know, not to single out one person or two. I'm just excited for our fans to get out and watch. Watch the, the product that we're going to put on the field and, and make them proud.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so I know nothing. So I admit that to start, but I look at the roster and I go, okay, love what he did at offensive line. I'm excited about this quarterback. I wonder do they have, you know, one thing Oregon always had were playmakers at receiver. Do you feel like you have the playmakers at receiver you need?

[Will Stein]

I love Nick Anderson. I really do. I love DJ Miller. I love, you know, JK in the slot. I love Kenny Darby, who we signed. Shoot. I love a lot of our guys. I mean, I think they. We got a strong core of receivers. I really do. Especially some younger guys too, I think are going to show out. I love Willie Rodriguez at tight end. Mikel Skinner, Henry Boyer.

[Matt Jones]

What about Willie Rodriguez? People know him. What, what have you seen with him so far?

[Will Stein]

He's got a ton of talent, ton of talent. He's extremely willing in the Sierra to put his face on people and block, but I think he can be a really matchup problem for teams in the slot and even on the perimeter, so. And a Kentucky kid, this place means a lot to him. So obviously had Kenny Sadiq at Oregon. It was a special rare talent. We also had Terrence Ferguson there and, you know, this past season we even had Jamari Johnson. So tight ends in our, in our offense have really traditionally done really well. So I'm excited about him. I was glad that he. Really glad that he decided to come back be a wildcat and that was somebody we, we definitely wanted to keep.

[Matt Jones]

All right, now I look at this, I can't be the first person to Say, man, this schedule next year. I mean, I've been. Kentucky's football schedule is always hard, but you may have inherited the hardest one I've ever seen. So you look at. So you love it, though. You're like, let's go.

[Will Stein]

Scared, man.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not scared.

[Will Stein]

If you're scared, go to church, bro.

[Caller]

Come on.

[Will Stein]

Come on.

[Matt Jones]

See, I love it, though, but what

[Will Stein]

are you supposed to do? You may call the schools up and say, hey, can. Can you please not play us?

[Caller]

I'm so scared.

[Will Stein]

Golly, man, we signed up for it.

[Matt Jones]

I love. And I would assume that's partially why guys would be excited to play here, right? We get to play Alabama, lsu, Texas Day. Yes.

[Will Stein]

I watched the freaking Wildcats. I mean, should have beat Texas last year. I mean, come on.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Will Stein]

Ole Miss. I mean, I just think about. We had Will Levis and we had Liam Cohen calling plays, won 10 freaking games, like, on a tough schedule. Like, we gotta score points, right? We have to score. We have to stop people when it matters. That's not just true for Kentucky. That's true for everybody. You know? I mean, shoot, you could say all these teams are assembled. Well, everybody's got players. We have the starting left tackle from Tennessee playing for us right now. Think about that. Yeah, the guy played at Ohio State, playing left guard, starting center for Baylor, playing for us. Like, we have good players and we have good coaches. So, like, cut it loose, man. Don't be scared. Cut it loose. See, whatever happens, happens.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not being scared, Drew. I'm not done being scared.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, we have a process.

[Will Stein]

I love go through that process throughout the week. We're doing it right now. And, like, when you have a great process, do the results always happen the way that you want it? No, that's football. Even at Oregon, we had the most elite process in the. You know, that I've been a part of that. I'm building here. And we got our asses kicked in the semifinal like that. That doesn't mean we were a bad team. That means that we had a bad result. We didn't play well. So it's up to us to create competition, real competition in practice. Practice has to be hard. Football is a tough freaking game. It's hard to win. You've heard that from every coach. And it's so hard to win. It is hard. It's real. Because every team, especially in this league, has great players. So there's. You have to be able to run the ball. That matters. You have to have great quarterback play, and you have to Affect the passer. You have to. So that's the plan. It's our job right now to build that plan out, to get real confidence with our guys. And then when we step foot in Kroger Field on September 5th against Youngstown State, like, let's see if our process is what we thought it was. And wherever it wasn't, wherever it lacked, we adjust, we make changes, and then we go attack the next week. So there's no guarantees in football. Right. At all. All I know is like hard work, building a roster and then going out and cutting loose.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Will Stein]

And not being afraid to fail. Like, just go cut it freaking loose.

[Matt Jones]

I was saying that I look at in that week three, you play Alabama, and I know you got two games before that, but our week two, week two or three, anyway. But play him at home. And I was thinking that's going to be one of the coolest days in Lexington. Like, it really is. That's going to be one of the coolest days in Lexington. When you thought about doing this job is part of it thinking about that opportunity to have days like that where you're playing these great programs in your home state.

[Will Stein]

Well, I think the coolest day in Lexington is going to be September 5th. Number one state. Got you 100%. I know. That's coach talk. That's real. What I don't need to do is give those guys who are tough as hell a sound bite from the Matt Jones show. Me thinking about the second game of the year.

[Matt Jones]

Gotcha. Fair enough.

[Will Stein]

I'm so focused on freaking spring, dude. I am. And like, I'm so jacked up for tomorrow. Getting on the grass, getting on the turf like. Like, we got two practice fields out here. I'm looking at them right now like, it's. It's beautiful. I'm in Lexington, Kentucky. I get to coach the Wildcats. That is what I'm so fired up about and really being entrenched in that process. And when we get to those games in our league, man, it's going to be awesome. But what I can't wait is for Kroger Field to be packed, sold out for that first game against Youngstown State.

[Matt Jones]

What. What has been the part of the program since you've been here that has surprised you the most or maybe been the thing that you didn't know about Kentucky football, that you've come here and going, oh, okay, that's a little different than I thought.

[Will Stein]

I mean, shoot, man, there's so many to talk about. I will say this. The support from our fans and our, you know, the people that help us out on a day to day basis has been incredible. It really has been. I mean, Big Blue Nation is even more than I could have ever known. I was a part of Big Blue Nation as a fan, but to see how dedicated they are to the Wildcats, all of our sports. I mean, I'm at the gymnastics meet and there's 2, 000 people in there.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Will Stein]

Golly. This is freaking unbelievable. Women's basketball against South Carolina. It's packed the Memorial Coliseum to the brim. That's what I'm, I'm just so thankful to be here to represent them. I mean, I'm at the legislature. I'm there with our President, Dr. Capilouto and meeting people there and like, I mean, there's Wildcat fans everywhere. It's really cool to see how big of a, of a poll we have throughout not just the state, but the entire country.

[Matt Jones]

I have two listener questions. Well, listener friend slash questions. And then we'll get you out of here. One is from a former KSR member, Max Duffy. Ray Guy winner here just a few years ago. And he goes, I got one question for Will. Does he like Australians punting?

[Will Stein]

We got one. Yeah, we have some Aussies. Heck yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Big Aussie guy.

[Will Stein]

Then, hey, whoever can change the field, I'm good with. We have, we have an Aussie right now.

[Matt Jones]

And lastly, this comes from a listener of the show also who says, how does Will see recruiting in the state of Kentucky? Does. Obviously it's important, but how important is it going forward in terms of who he will recruit for out of high school?

[Will Stein]

Yeah, I mean, recruiting always starts within your state. No matter where I've been, you have to win the state always. So obviously, I mean, not to mention name, we, we got, you know, you know, the news, right? So that's something that, you know, can't allow to happen. We can. We have to win the state. Especially when you have extremely talented players, which I'm excited about in this 27 class, you know, guys that are here. So. But here's what I'm gonna tell you too, right? I'm not gonna beg, man. I'm not. You either want to be a part of this or you don't. We have every resource possible to go sign great players. The way that you recruit is still old school. It's still communication. Still waking kids up in the morning and putting them to bed at night, still to everybody in their life that matters to them. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, trainers, now agents. That's still the way to recruit. So it's our job to always start within the confines of the commonwealth and then we'll go wherever we need to. I've said it before. I'll go to Alaska. I'll go to freaking wherever to get the best players possible for us to go win and win the way that we want to.

[Matt Jones]

You've created two sayings that will outlive this interview. Six seconds of hell, and if you're scared, go to church. I can just go ahead and tell you I know this fan base. Both of those you're going to be hearing for a long time. Will thank you very much for taking the time. Look forward to being out there at some point during spring practice and go give them hell.

[Will Stein]

Well, I appreciate it, Matt. Thanks for having me. Big fans and we'll talk soon.

[Matt Jones]

All right, Will Stein, we'll take a break. Be right back. KSR it is time for March. And that's the DraftKings sportsbook, the number one sportsbook for betting in March. The tournament is unexpected, we know that, but the rewards with DraftKings are guaranteed. DraftKings sportsbook is delivering the most generous rewards in the market, no matter what happens on the court. And because this isn't a tournament you bet and forget it's one you react to. You have a chance to do live betting. You're not betting on what might happen. You're betting on what is happening. Possession by possession, play by play, live lines, props. Next play outcomes. As the chaos unfolds, the bracket breaks and you are there to take advantage. So don't just watch the unexpected. Bet it. If you're new to DraftKings $5 bets, you get $200 in bonus bets instantly. It's the DraftKings sportsbook. What you need to get ready for March. You can download the Draft King Sportsbook app now and use code KSR. That's code KSR. Turn $5 into 200 bonus bets instantly. If you have a gaming problem, call 100 GAMBLER18 plus Kentucky only LGBT supply bonus expire seven days after issuance. For additional terms, responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co/Audio Limited Time Offer.

[Podcast Host]

Next Monday, our 2026 iHeart Podcast Awards are happening live at south by Southwest.

[Matt Jones]

This is the biggest night in podcasting.

[Podcast Host]

We'll honor the very best in podcasting from the past year and celebrate the most innovative talent and creators in the industry. And the winner is. Creativity, knowledge and passion will all be on full display. Thank you so much, iheartradio. Thank you to all the other nominees you guys are awesome. Watch Live next Monday at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific [e-mail] or the Veeps app. In 2023, a story gripped the UK, evoking horror and disbelief.

[Matt Jones]

The nurse who should have been in charge of caring for tiny babies is now the most prolific child killer in modern British history.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone thought they knew how it ended. A verdict, a villain, a nurse named Lucy Letby.

[Matt Jones]

Lucy Letby has been found guilty.

[Podcast Host]

But what if we didn't get the whole story?

[Matt Jones]

The moment you look at the whole

[Will Stein]

picture, the case collapses.

[Podcast Host]

I'm Amanda Knox, and in the new podcast the Case of Lucy Letby, we follow the evidence and hear from the people that lived it. To ask what really happened when the world decided who Lucy Letby was. No voicing of any skepticism or doubt.

[Matt Jones]

It'll cause so much harm at every

[Will Stein]

single level of the British establishment of this is wrong.

[Podcast Host]

Listen to Doubt the Case of Lucy Letby on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Will Stein]

China's Ministry of State Security is one of the most mysterious and powerful spy agencies. In the 2017, the FBI got inside. This is Special Agent Regal, Special Agent Bradley Hall.

[Podcast Host]

This MSS officer has no idea the US Government is onto him. But the FBI has his chats, texts, emails, even his personal diary. Hear how they got it on the Sixth Bureau podcast.

[Will Stein]

I now have several terabytes of an

[Matt Jones]

MSS officer, no doubt, no question of his life. And that's the unicorn. No one had ever seen anything like that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It was unbelievable.

[Will Stein]

This is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one man's ambition and mistakes opened its vault of secrets.

[Podcast Host]

Listen to the 6th Bureau on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Matt Jones]

So I love that. I thought he was great. I think he's gonna. I love the mentality.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That's exactly what this program needs. I mean, I love Mark Stoops, but his youth and enthusiasm and excitement just came through the interview. Great job.

[Matt Jones]

It was great. Kentucky Skin Cancer center is offering your listeners $50 off a Glow2 facial. That's right. You could get a facial at the Kentucky skin cancer center. $50 off. Just use my code KSR. They've got it all over the state. Glasgow. Waverly. Was it Waverly? That's not Waverly.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Out my way.

[Matt Jones]

Waverly is a different place. Go to the Kentucky Skin Cancer center. Use my code KSR50 off your official skin care facial. They also have sets. Go to Kentucky Skin Cancer Center.com Kentuckyskincancercenter.com Drew, what'd you think of them? That was awesome.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean, I know it's March Madness and I've got my eyeballs on getting to the SEC tournament, but heck, I'm ready to go kick off football season

now, man, if you're scared, go to church.

[Matt Jones]

I love that. And also, yeah, I mean, he made it. He was. People can't see because we didn't. We weren't able to show the video. But he, he looked at me like, dude, I'm not. What do you mean? We play good team. Good. Like, like on his face kind of was like a little bit like, why'd you. Of course we're gonna read it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

This is the sec.

[Matt Jones]

That's what you gotta say if you're gonna play that schedule, you might as well be excited about it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

100%.

[Matt Jones]

No reason to dread it. Nope. Love it. All right, we will now take some calls. 859-280-2287. Talk Stein and basketball next, TJ Smith, personal injury attorney.

[Will Stein]

Call TJ.

[Matt Jones]

He'll make him pay.

[Will Stein]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Let's do a couple news tidbits here. First, you kind of. I think this is what Will style was referred to. Seneca driver committed to Oklahoma. Tough loss for Kentucky. Number one tight end in the country. Will says we're not going to beg. I like, I appreciate that. Tough though to lose him. He was. He's a, he could be a star.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It's tough. He is a star. Kentucky's been recruiting him for a long time. So is everybody else just a superstar player going to be a senior at Boyle county next year.

[Matt Jones]

Remember, Jason Whitten is the tight end coach at Oklahoma.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Now, you know I don't like to lose a recruit, but when Jason Whitten, a Hall of Fame tight end is the tight ends coach, you can understand why Seneca might lean that way a little bit. Maybe he can change his mind by

[Matt Jones]

the time it was gonna say, remember, it's a long road. Got another year before he plays college football. Also, we've learned in a year or two might end up in the portal.

[Co-host/Analyst]

They don't quit recruiting these kids just because you verbally committed to somebody.

[Matt Jones]

That's right. So long road. Braden Hawthorne told the Herald Leader this morning he will return to Kentucky. So we have one player next year.

[Co-host/Analyst]

There we go. Build the roster now.

Seems early. We have portal had any moped yet

but I like it.

I hope it's I hope that stays firm. If he can put on a little bit of weight this year. I mean, I think the red shirt was silly, but he was so thin. I don't know that he could have

[Matt Jones]

helped, but thank you.

[Co-host/Analyst]

If he can bulk up, he's very skilled.

[Matt Jones]

I like it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I wonder if he hadn't gotten hurt if he would have played this year because they were kind of, you know, maybe thin, maybe.

[Matt Jones]

But it's good. We now certainly have one.

[Co-host/Analyst]

One.

[Matt Jones]

I'm. I think that kid can be good. So I think that'll. That'll be a really positive addition. So with that, let's go through here. Mike. Mike, go ahead.

[Caller]

Hey, guys. How are y'? All?

[Matt Jones]

Take me off speaker. Go.

[Caller]

Oh, my bad. So anyway, the reason I'm calling is thanks for letting me. Let me come on. But I appreciate you guys. This show. Been a long time listener for a long time. So. So I guess me as Kentucky fan for. I'm 51 years old since I was, you know, probably 7, 8 years old and seen a lot of great things, a lot of bad things, whatever my. My fear. And I guess, you know, maybe I need to go to church. And I do need to go to

[Matt Jones]

church, but go for it. Give me your point. Go ahead.

[Caller]

So my point is this, is that next year. This is what I'm looking at right now is next year, you know, with what we. Were we standing with anybody right now? You know what I mean? And I'm just like, you know, with Pope, you know, this year, I mean, it was just a disaster. Next year, I mean, recruiting wise. I mean, I mean, normally we have a. We have a stack team and I mean now we have nothing.

[Matt Jones]

It's a completely. And I appreciate the call, completely reasonable worry. Next six weeks will tell it. I mean, I can't. I can't say anything that's going to make you feel better, Drew, because there's nothing really to say. I don't know who they might get. I don't even know if they know who they might get. So it's hard to say confidently anything.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Completely agree with you. If I were to give you a little optimism. And this is stretch, but they seem to be in good communication with Dink Pate. Our guy Jacob said they're going to talk to him again this week. I know people are conflicted on the G League thing, but we need bodies. Yeah. And if he can come help out, that's a 6, 7 guard averaging 16 points for the Westchester Knicks. And I don't know if he'll end up here, but Pope's at least pursuing that.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not conflicted. If he's allowed to play, getting. Period. End of story. That's it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

If the rules allow it, you got to adjust. And if you can get somebody like that, you do it.

[Matt Jones]

If he's allowed to play, you do it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

How does that work? If he comes here and he looks good, but the Knicks still own him, can he. Can he just leave college and the Knicks sign him? We've never seen anything like that before. Because they own his rights.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I don't know.

[Co-host/Analyst]

So couldn't like, October, them calling and be like, well, it was a fun month. I'm heading to.

[Matt Jones]

I. I'm just wondering that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

I honestly don't know the answer to that question. I.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We've never seen anything.

[Matt Jones]

I've never seen it. I don't know if they'll still own his rights next year. I'm not sure, to be honest. Go ahead, Mike.

[Caller]

Hey, guys. I. I hate that I'm where I'm at right now, but, you know, I've kind of got a take on the basketball, and I was going to try to convince you guys to come on with me here, but I really feel like. And I hate to say it because I hope. I was hoping it would work out, that we need to make a switch. And I know everybody says they won't do it, but we need to make a switch after this year because I feel like we're too far behind and he looks desperate. I don't think he can. He doesn't look confident like he's going to fix it. And even if he does get a gm, who's coming in here with a sitting duck? Coach Tayson Prince ain't leaving to come here to get fired in one year.

[Matt Jones]

I think they can get a good gm. I do. I think. And I think you can even go further, and I appreciate the call. A GM could get hired and could keep the job even if the coach changed one day. Could. You know, in general, in other sports, a GM is hired by, like, the president of the team, and the coach reports to the gm. Now, this is going to be kind of weird because you're going to actually have that structure flipped. The GM works for the coach, which is not how it is in professional teams.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Right.

[Matt Jones]

So I think that's an interesting odd dichotomy that I'm not exactly sure how that's going to work out.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We've talked about. Will Stein brought his gm. He was here before Will even Got here.

[Matt Jones]

But those gyms. If Will Stein wants to replace him, he can. Whereas, like in the NBA, the GM is the one who hires the coach.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I'm a big Titans guy. We've had GM coach drama the last few years, just rotating through all of them. It is a weird dynamic.

[Matt Jones]

It is different, though. This is. The GM is under the coach here, which is different. Peggy. Go ahead, Peggy.

[Caller]

Good morning, guys.

[Matt Jones]

Good morning.

[Caller]

First of all, they should have never let Dave Baker go. But my thought for replacing him, and I'm sure we'll never get him, is Tom Hart. And they still need to get rid of Cameron. And I never, ever want Dicky V to call a Kentucky Florida game because all he did was talk about Florida.

[Matt Jones]

Well, they were beating us.

[Caller]

Florida.

[Matt Jones]

They were beating us pretty bad.

[Caller]

Yeah, they were. But all he did was brag about Florida. He never mentioned Kentucky, and all he talked about was Florida and his foundation. His foundation is great foundation, but you don't hog up the whole time talking about Florida.

[Matt Jones]

I understand. I appreciate the call. What'd you think about Dicky V with a strong Dicky V with a strong comment about. About our roster saying, I, if they're going to spend $22 million, they should have better players than this.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You know, you hear our fan base say it, even we may say it on this show to hear.

[Matt Jones]

Dicky doesn't say things like that very often.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, when him. When he says something like that on a national broadcast, it kind of resonates a little harder, I think.

He's not usually very critical. It's usually, oh, Mark Pope will turn this. You know, he's putting belief, even if he doesn't truly believe it, just because he's not really that critical of people on broadcast. So that was another layer of just throwing your hands up in the air with this team and how the season's gone.

[Matt Jones]

I said hi to him right before the game. I reached over, I took a picture, and he goes, are they going to win? And I said, I don't know. And he goes, no one knows. Which I thought was like, well, that's true. That is kind of true. Donnie. Go ahead, Donnie.

[Caller]

Yes. My thoughts are for every postseason game, we should start mo Diabante and set yellow veg and come out physical and punch him in the mouth for every postseason game for the rest of the season. And I still haven't given up on the Cats.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate the call. Do you agree with that? Oh, yeah. Appreciate the call.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Do you agree with that there at the end?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Co-host/Analyst]

About not giving up on the Cats

[Matt Jones]

or of the starting Diabate.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, I'm a big yellow bitch guy and I think he has so much more but he just can't get in the groove. When he plays the first half, then it just goes to Diabate. So I'd rather if Diabate is going to play like he has lately, I yeah, go ahead and let him start and get the most minutes. It ends up being him most of the game anyway.

[Matt Jones]

I agree. I kind of think now Diabate is more of a starter.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

I do off the bench potentially to hit threes, etc. And add a spark.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I wish Yellow bitch had more opportunities in November to get a little more comfortable. I think his ceiling's a lot higher than what we are ever going to get near here.

Yeah, I thought it was warranted. I thought it's needed to start now. I think it's flipped. I do think Diabot they probably needs to start now.

[Matt Jones]

Let's talk about that. Yellow bitch made comments after the game where he said we just got some guys that get away from the team basketball and if they haven't gotten the ball in two or three minutes, they just shoot. Who's he talking about?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Well, if we're going on the game, OA did it. Aberdeen did it. Diabate did it.

[Matt Jones]

Jasper.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean when Jasper comes in, it's.

[Matt Jones]

There is a sense with all four of those guys that they will take. I actually don't think Aberdeen does it as much.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He usually does it after he hits a shot. When he hits one shot, he's got an oa.

[Matt Jones]

It's hard for me to get upset

[Co-host/Analyst]

at it because he's our best player.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but he's right. That does happen.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He was talking about guys that go wild without the ball though. I mean OA and Aberdeen, they have a lot of. It was guys that go two or three minutes without it then think it's their turn.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, there is. There is a little bit sometimes you can feel it of okay, I okay, now me. There is a little bit of that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It was also great.

[Matt Jones]

Chandler would do it sometimes.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Can I say he's. He's got to get the ball in his hands manually shot.

[Matt Jones]

I've shot him down two straight games.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He's got to find a way to get over and get to get a shot.

It was also great to yellow. It's or someone it was him say fatigue is not a problem.

It was yellow Bitch.

[Matt Jones]

He did say that fatigue is not a problem.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That's not an excuse for us is what he said.

[Matt Jones]

Spring is sprung and that means you might be getting outside more. And whether it's doing yard work or staying active by biking or running, Court physical therapy can help you with aches, pains and injuries. Court physical therapy can help keep you from getting back to being hurt and go back to the things you enjoy while preventing injuries. It's court physical therapy. 70 locations statewide. There's a center near you. Go to court.com it's k o r t dot com. We'll take a break. Be right back. KSR welcome back. Tech Sports Radio. Cornbread Hemp will be one of our sponsors on the road. Go to cornbread hemp.com promo code KSR full spectrum flour only. Hemp CBD and the seltzers. And they're all there for you. They help me rest. I hope they will do the same for you. Try cornbread hemp. Cornbread hemp.com promo code KSR our longest along with TJ Smith. Our longest sponsor.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, for a long time was Boone's Butcher Shop.

[Matt Jones]

You say that they haven't been on this radio show in a decade.

[Co-host/Analyst]

When we first started though, they were like, they stayed with you all the way for like 10 years. It seemed like.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it was not. I love Boone's Butcher Shop. But let's. We should really support the ones that are doing it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Absolutely.

[Matt Jones]

And not always Shannon bringing up Boone's Butcher Shop. Even though I like Boone's Butcher Shop, but you keep bringing that up. And it has been a decade since Boone's butcher shop.

[Will Stein]

TJ's been with us for a long time.

[Matt Jones]

TJ's been with us for a long

[Will Stein]

time right here in Louisville at the studio. We're gonna have lunch later on. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Well, good. All right. So schedule, Wednesday we, we play at one o'. Clock. We, we play at 12:30 in Nashville. We're going to talk a lot more about this tomorrow. But what we think the crowd will be like, we're actually not going to be there yet. We're going to be getting, we're going to be on the way. So here we would like to come watch the game. So we're going to do the show, leave here at like 11, get in the car and then we're going to drive to Bowling Green and watch the game there and do this postgame show there. So if there's somebody in Bowling Green would like to have us watch, I guess it'll be more like the second half of the game and do the postgame show there. Not in front of a crowd, just host us. If you have like A sports bar or something like that. Yeah, let us know because we're going to get there, stop and watch the game.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I have a feeling this early start, a lot of fans that have plans might not make it for the game

[Matt Jones]

even with only $10 tickets.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean, I don't know a lot of people going, but the few I've reached out to are like we're going to get there Wednesday at like 5 and just hope we're still in it. I hope it's still a good turnout, but playing before noon local time I think is going to have a big impact.

It will. So many people got their hotel reservations, don't even start till Wednesday night.

And I looked up what it was to add Tuesday night. My goodness, Tuesday night isn't on discount.

[Matt Jones]

So. But we will do now we are going to do our Tin roof show Thursday either way. Now if we win, it'll be a lot of fun shit.

[Will Stein]

Yeah, it'll be good if we lose.

[Matt Jones]

That will be interesting.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Group therapy.

[Will Stein]

Yeah. Morning beers hangover party.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Morning beers with Drew. Right.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Several.

If they win on becoming a pregame show for the next game too, right?

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That's the ideal situation.

[Matt Jones]

That's the ideal situation. Well, we got. We don't. We're not going to lose, are we?

[Co-host/Analyst]

We should win.

Don't talk it into existence.

One thing I hate, and I don't even want to say this out loud, but if you lose, you could be leaving Nashville as Arkansas, Tennessee and Florida are coming in. I mean you could pass them on

[Matt Jones]

your way out past your fans coming to the time. I mean our fans will be on the way to Nashville potentially as we're going home. Most of the my friends, you know, I've done this trip for 20 plus years. Most of my friends are arriving after this game. I am arriving after this game and I'm going no matter what. But, but we're going to win. Shane. Oh, go ahead. Shane O.

[Caller]

Good morning, guys. And I just, hey, I got a couple things to say about football. And first off, thank you, thank you, thank you for having Coach Will on, man. I had multiple chill bumpies, as Ryan would say, moments during that interview. I also got so excited, man, my mouth started watering and pacing back and forth here at the house. I mean, I'm so excited about that guy and the, the fact that they're on the hunt. Just, I mean, and, and the T shirts that are going to be made. Call Rick at the Kentucky shop right now and get him on it because, man, I signed me up and I I want to do a little PR man, because we've been without far too long. And the spring game, April 18th, BBN show up. Morning beers, afternoon beers. Let's celebrate. Let's make our spring game a celebration for what it should be. And then my last thing this week. I live in Louisville and I'm a former player and I've already gone by and got me some cakes. But I'm going by to give Miss Debbie a hug and Aunt Blakey another hug for raising a young man that with the caliber and the insight and the passion that we really needed for this program. And that's all I need to say, guys.

[Matt Jones]

Thank you, Shane. Appreciate it. I agree with everything he said there. We'll. We'll get plenty of hype for the spring game as we get closer. Warren. Go ahead, Warren.

[Caller]

Hey, guys, good morning. Love the show. Love with coach Don, my cousin. I have season tickets and we're so fired up. Wanted to. Been wanting to call for a long time and congratulate Drew on the expecting the little girl. I'm actually holding my newborn right now, so congrats to Drew, you guys. I've been the listener for so long. You guys feel like family. So wanted to tell you, Matt, that I'm excited that your dad had a good report last week. Just like you, I grew up becoming a UK fan because of my grandfather and my grandmother and watching games with him growing up. And I actually got to watch the Florida game with my grandmother who turned 101 yesterday.

[Matt Jones]

Well, that's awesome. That is very cool. I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to break here in a second, but. Okay, real quick.

[Caller]

That's okay.

[Matt Jones]

But thank you very much for all of those kind. Thank you kind comments, guys. Appreciate it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

100. 101.

[Matt Jones]

That's a lot of years, JC. I got like 30 seconds. Go.

[Caller]

Oh, just real quick. Chandler getting off threes. We. We. He needs to be able to burn that pressure off. He's not going to get open looks. The book's out on him. He's got it. If he can't get all the way to the rock, he's got to get to the lane and hit the little ten footer.

[Matt Jones]

I agree. He's got to. You're exactly right. The book. That's a good way to put it. The book is out on him and he's got to find a way to get open because that's crucial for us. Let's go to DraftKings promo code KSR BET5. You can win up to $200 from DraftKings. It's your place for March Madness this year. Tennessee had won, we would have won our parlay. That's what I get for believing in Tennessee tonight. Sunbelt championship. Georgia Southern has a chance to do something no team's ever done. Six games in six days to win a conference tournament.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Six games in six days.

[Matt Jones]

Six games in six days for the Sunbelt final. They play Troy tonight to win it all. Do you think they can do six games in six days?

[Caller]

No.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We saw Troy last year. We wrote a hundred stories on the meeting at Waffle House. Waffle House will carry them to the tournament again.

I want the team to win in six games in six days. I'm going to pull for Georgia State,

[Matt Jones]

Georgia Southern, Georgia Southern and Shannon. I'm taking Georgia Southern as well. Six games in six days.

[Will Stein]

Our team is tired after we play two games in a week. This team's gonna play six games in six days. Georgia Southern with the championship tonight. Let's go.

[Matt Jones]

We don't like the Saturday, Tuesday turnaround. And Georgia Southern is on their sixth game. They got the Wednesday to Monday, Saturday to Tuesday. Too much. Too much fatigue. But six games in a row. Georgia Southern, that's tonight, the Sunbelt. We will see you all tomorrow. Thanks to Will side for coming on ksr.