Adam Luckett: Kentucky Football's 180 Under Will Stein - That SEC Football Podcast

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[00:01]
Narrator/Advertiser
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[01:35]
Adam Luckett
Okay. SEC Media Day's Adam Luckett Kentucky Sports Radio. You still got Venables getting fired.
[01:43]
Shane
What if I was a year early? Boomers sooner in the mentions all year I get to go now we get to go down there. So that'll be fun. Yeah, look forward to it.
[01:53]
Interviewer/Host
I love it, man. Hey, how's it been, man? I, I feel like, I mean, it's
[01:58]
Shane
not like you guys.
[01:59]
Interviewer/Host
I get it, I get it. I'm trying to not get too excited about Kentucky football, but I'm getting excited about some Kentucky football and I don't know if it's because the Steiner recliners out here saying he is who he thought he was, but let me, let me ask you, how are you feeling about this football program?
[02:17]
Shane
Well, just everything was a complete 180 this offseason. If Mark Stoops would have went right, Will Stein would have went left, you know, Quarterback, offense. Run it through the quarterback. Offense, Offense, offense. Stoops. Defense. Defense, defense. Conservative. Defensively. We're going to play aggressive. We're going to play, man. We're going to do this and that. We're going to attack, attack, attack. Stoops, we're going to play zone, we're going to play back. We're going to play conservative. We're going to try to keep you. Ben, don't break everything. Is different. And I think the fan base just is eating it up really, that it gotten stale last two years, obviously, obvious reasons, everyone was ready for a change and it's been Stein's really been a shot in the arm because he has been the opposite in a lot of ways. And I think that's been enticing to Kentucky fans and I think they're excited to have someone with this kind of bravado and moxie and like Stoops last year at this said, this shit's hard. Stein comes out here and says, because of me. That's why I know we're going to win. It's just two different mindsets. We'll see how it plays out. But you know, you go through a reset, you got a brand new coaching staff from our end, you've got all these different players, you're going to play a different style of ball. You know, you're walking in blind in a lot of ways. Shane But I think there's palpable buzz now for what they could become and people are excited to see a new brand of football. And a new brand of football is coming to Kentucky because it's been so
[03:41]
Interviewer/Host
long, you know, I mean, Tennessee. I remember convincing myself, you know, what, Derek Dooley may, may be a good hire like his daddy, you know, or then I'm like, you know, Butch Jones, who the hell's that? And then I convinced myself, you know, so when you're looking at, if you will, the, the positive attributes of what Stein will be bringing to this football team, what are some of the things that you're like, well, I can tell you one thing, we'll get this at
[04:07]
Shane
least QB at QB Development. He got hired because of what he's done with QBs and what he's done on offense. QB is why he was hired. And so he said everything's going to be run through the qb. I asked him here on Monday, I was like, you know, typically we don't see transfers, specifically Kentucky. We don't ever. Stoop's never brought a transfer here. He looked at me like I had three heads. What do you mean? Quarterback. Of course I brought my quarterback here. He's the leader of our football team. So just that mindset is going to be different, I think for Kentucky. They hired him, they bet on his QB track record showing up. And so for them, why should someone believe in Kentucky? As long as it translates and doesn't total flop, he's going to get pretty good quarterback play and they're going to be top half of the league, I would say most years quarterback and if it goes well he's going to. They'll have a chance probably to have some first round guys, right? The first round guys. Some different difference makers at the most important position. And if you have that and you build good parts around it, you can win a lot of football games. And I think that's the plan for him. Now does he have it right now? That's what we're going to find out when the season starts.
[05:12]
Adam Luckett
I know Kentucky fans are fired up but I promise you they don't know how good it's going to feel because Tennessee did something similar. Went to Jeremy Pruitt. Boring ass ball to hypo. I mean it just makes. Even when you lose a game it's like the first Hypo year was 7 6. That felt like 15 0. You know, they were just going up and down the field and it was just crazy fun, right?
[05:33]
Shane
You just don't like what am I watching? I'd say they're gonna play Alabama. I don't really know how the game's gonna go week two. I do know the place is gonna be on fire. People are fired up for that. And there's gonna be a point in the game whether it's a gadget play or like a four play drive, touchdown drive. People are gonna be running around like chickens with their heads cut off in section 48 and up top in section 206. They're not going to know like what is this? And it's because of that there's a lot of just organic excitement for what this could be. And people are really excited about Will Stein and what he's done and he's aced the off season. He really has. He could not have done the offseason. I don't think any better to get buy in to get people believing everyone's. As of now, you know, he's 00 and he says that, you know we have. I'm undefeated right now so I got a lot of positive momentum but he's gotten a lot of buy in and people are really, really excited.
[06:29]
Interviewer/Host
That Bama game is going to be awesome. I because I think Vanderbilt, you know, several remember them saying we want Bama and then they didn't want Bama. But this ain't the same Bama. I feel like this is a Kentucky on the rise.
[06:41]
Shane
That was my biggest takeaway today. It's Wednesday at SEC media days. Alfrick and Bamas here, it was like they were just oh, Alabama's here. I really want to hear what Pete Golding has to say while John Sumrall's really lighting up the room. Elko, what is he going to say? Like, do the Texas. Texas A and M angle. They're just. That was the weirdest thing for me. Just how much of an afterthought I sit there and wonder. I'm like, are we met? What are we doing? Is this. Are we being dumb? Are we not seeing something? But like, they are just kind of. I know Alabama is a sleeper team.
[07:15]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah.
[07:16]
Adam Luckett
No, it's hard to be hyped when your coach is four loss to bore. You know what? Yeah, that's true. Does Kentucky have a better coach in Alabama? That's what they're going to be saying after week two. Are you. Are you anywhere on the same planet as Roush that thinks Kentucky's knocking off Alabama?
[07:36]
Shane
It's hard for me to get there. I just think there's so many unknowns about Kentucky and I think Bama specifically defensively, I think they're going to be pretty good. So.
[07:44]
Adam Luckett
And the secondary is their best part.
[07:45]
Shane
You. Yeah, right. In Kentucky, I've worries about the run game. If they have to get past heavy in that game. I think Bama's got some rushers and I think I got. The secondary presents a problem. So I am not there. I think with Kentucky, Mike, really, I think they're probably going to take some lumps early, but I think where you're. Where you're going to see like, really the proof of concept for Stein is the back end of the schedule. I think things open up a little bit back and you get Florida at home, you get Louisville at home late. You get Missouri on the road. There's the Vanderbilt game at home in middle of October. You know, I'm sure we'll talk about the game after Halloween at Tennessee, but I think there's some chances for them to really make some noise late. But the front end of the schedule is pretty tough. I mean, you look at it and it's like, well, what? Losses could pile up pretty fast.
[08:30]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah. And you know, when we did our breakdown and going through Kentucky schedule especially, I saw it as a team that potentially could catch fire late in the season, you know, and. And if you were to ask me, which would you rather have? Yeah, I would love to have an Alabama win, but give me four straight wins at the end of the season going into office.
[08:51]
Shane
You want to have Florida State's here last year?
[08:52]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Because if. If you're going to have success in the portal, then you got proof and a momentum in the boosters, let's say. I mean it is what it is. The money comes out when they say, hey, let's get this guy what he needs to make this happen. So is there any games that right now if you're looking at Kentucky schedule, we it would be considered an upset. Is there one that you're like hey, circle this one.
[09:17]
Shane
Let's say South Carolina week five. I think that's a big one for both. It's a big swing game.
[09:25]
Adam Luckett
Just can't get them Kentucky boys, Shane Beamer out of their head. You know what.
[09:28]
Shane
But I do think sunglasses I do. You know South Carolina's got the, they've got sleeper team energy like joking on Alabama, but they do have it. And Kendall Brownles or raise the just raising the floor on offense would do them a lot.
[09:41]
Adam Luckett
And so if he can unlock the potential of Lenore Sellers, they're going to be a tough out. I think every week now we keep
[09:47]
Shane
with every year I think we say that.
[09:49]
Adam Luckett
Yeah. But I think he's finally got someone that can do it.
[09:52]
Shane
Yeah, I think, I think just with Browse, you know they're probably not going to be top three in the league on offense but they're definitely not going to be 13th. They're going to be somewhere in that middle tier and if you're there, I think they're going to have. They're going to be in position I think to win a lot of games. They were in position last year, they just couldn't finish but I think they're going to be able to probably finish better this year.
[10:12]
Interviewer/Host
I think it's a good game to have before that LSU matchup too at home. You know, just. I don't want to say you need a tune up game but at least you'll kind of understand what style offense
[10:22]
Shane
they're going to for me, Kentucky, they not they have the two noncon games but they're sandwiched between Bama at A and M. Tough start to the league but you can kind of get your sea legs a little bit and then you've got that South Carolina game. A team I think they can match up with well and I think again I wrote about this last year. It's the ultimate swing game in the league. I think because these are permanent foes in the new model. You look at the history, the one that wins the game, that wins the game typically has a good season most times. Sometimes there's not like South Carolina last year but the one that loses the game almost never does anything good that season. So it's a real big swing game in the conference specifically for those two teams trying to climb the ladder. And it's an old versus new, right. Like Beamer's been here seven years now. Everyone's talking about him on the hot seat and Stein's like the hot rising young coach. So it's a. I think that's a fascinating matchup early in the year. I think it's a huge game for Kentucky because what you're talking about, like getting on that hot run late, that's kind of. That's the kind of game you need to spark.
[11:23]
Interviewer/Host
You31 transfers in. Remove Kenny Minchi and Lance Hurd from this list. Which one are you most excited about?
[11:34]
Shane
Yeah, I think offensive lines got a potential to be a strength. Colton Price, the center from Baylor, was a real big get for them along with Hurd. I think that one obviously stands out. And then they did a weird thing where they bet on a lot of guys who have had moments like even in this league. Nick Anderson, I guess he wasn't in the SEC then when he had his big year, but played in the league. C.J.
[11:55]
Interviewer/Host
baxter, wasn't he? Oklahoma?
[11:57]
Shane
Yeah. Nick Anderson, Oklahoma, yeah.
[11:59]
Adam Luckett
But his huge year was the last year of the Big 12.
[12:01]
Interviewer/Host
That's right.
[12:01]
Shane
Yeah. He's been hurt the last two years. And then C.J. baxter was good as a true freshman. Struggled with injuries. There's a few guys like that. Aaron Gates, who's probably going to be their starting nickel at Florida, was good when he played, but he wasn't on the field a lot. Struggled with injuries. If they hit right on these injury concerns, I think they've put together a really good class. But that is a big variable that I just don't know what direction it's going to go. And I think there's like a disaster scenario if those just a lot of them just don't go their way and then you're looking up and it's just like, well, they took too many guys with injury concerns.
[12:36]
Interviewer/Host
I'd like to get your immediate reaction to this. Tennessee just landed dgg. What's your thought?
[12:47]
Shane
So they overpaid a running back. Great decision making down there on Rocky Top.
[12:55]
Adam Luckett
Hey, this may come as a shock to you. They don't have a GM at Tennessee.
[13:00]
Shane
What's the reason for that? Does he give a reason? Is it like the Mark Pope thing? He just doesn't want to say.
[13:05]
Adam Luckett
I mean, they. When you ask him, he's like, well, we got people that do those roles But I think you're, you know, he
[13:12]
Shane
won't say who's doing them.
[13:14]
Adam Luckett
Well, I mean, there's just people in the operations. Yeah, scouts and stuff like that, but I think you need a dedicated guy.
[13:19]
Shane
In today's era, that was a big talking point. Locally. Kentucky, they have one. Stein brought it from Oregon. Pat Biondo, Pete Nocta is like the number two. They have a legitimate front office staff, and they didn't really have that under sup. So it was kind of something similar to what you're just describing. So, yeah, I mean, we're going to see how that play out. I will say for Kentucky, I myself noticed the difference just from just a volume, like getting kids on campus. I noticed they were willing to play ball, I think, on some contract negotiations. Not necessarily wanting to go spend money, but saying, this is our offer, take it or leave it. We're going to ride this out. We're not going to overreact. And then I think some recruitments came back to them. They were able to get them, and they pivoted at key moments, like they were all in on the same Levitt sweepstacks early. They made a big run at that. And then when it kind of got extended, they were like, all right, we got to get out of here now to go get Minchi. We cannot let Menchie get away. And so I just. Those little things, I noticed a difference. Just you could just tell that there's a real front office structure and they're making swift, direct decisions. And it was a lot different, I think, from the other era where they were. That really wasn't the case.
[14:29]
Interviewer/Host
Last thing I got for you, I got to ask about old Mitchie. Mitchie boy Barnhart. What's going on with that hot situation? I can say that on his way out. It's in my contract.
[14:40]
Shane
I was like, what's insane about what he want to know about Kenny? Mitchie just talked about him.
[14:44]
Interviewer/Host
What's that son of a Mitch doing?
[14:47]
Shane
No, that's. That's a weird situation. Mitch had a contract and they had his thing set up where he was going to be an ambassador and they were going to pay him to do something. So they decide to. He decides to retire. They were gonna pay. They were. They were like, okay, we'll give you a job. We're gonna pay you more than we originally said. A lot of. Not only boosters, but like, people at the university were very outspoken about was like in the Lexington newspaper, people writing op eds. It was really a big deal. The governor got involved. So that was a mess. So then they say well you know he's not gonna do that. But then they come back and like they're still going to pay him and still going to have him do a job. It's just not as much as original. I think the governor even was still not super happy with that. Was that good. Governor was not super happy with that and it was just a whole mess. And they went and paid a lot of money to hire J. Batt away from Michigan State. J Batt is known as a fundraiser was at Alabama, Kentucky. That's what they need. They got a lot of projects they want to complete. They're going to need some cash to complete those and so that's, that's what they're doing. But it was, it was a mess. It really was.
[15:58]
Interviewer/Host
I hear they're still upset with, with this new arrangement even, you know.
[16:02]
Shane
Yeah, I just, I think some people are upset that they paid that much to hire an athletic director. And then the Mitch situation like again the governor I don't think is very happy with it. And then yeah, some people locally are just really hammering them for it. And Eli Capilouto, the president's been there a long time but he's, he's getting a lot of criticism, taking a lot of heat right now.
[16:20]
Adam Luckett
Hey, now that you. Not that you asked but I'm going to let you into a little window into our operation here. So Shane's been editing videos for a couple weeks, maybe a couple months and he's already asking to pay for a video editor. The work that I've been doing for about 10 years and every time he's doing the ice and this, that and the other. That's just stuff I gotta edit out. I just watch it. We've been dealing with, he's watching.
[16:43]
Shane
Having a dog.
[16:46]
Interviewer/Host
I thought maybe he wouldn't hear it.
[16:48]
Adam Luckett
No, I really wanted.
[16:49]
Interviewer/Host
So thirsty.
[16:51]
Adam Luckett
Better team under a first year coach. Kentucky or Kentucky South?
[17:00]
Shane
I'll say Kentucky I think offensive line and quarterback. Kentucky's in a better spot so I'll say Kentucky.
[17:07]
Adam Luckett
And for those that don't know Kentucky south is Florida. I mean John Sumrall's winning every. He's high fiving people. He's coming up. He, he's like a damn politician out here. He's. He knows what he's doing. He's working the room. Everybody's in love with him up here now it was just Florida day but so obviously I think you are a big Summerall fan.
[17:24]
Shane
Yeah, I like John a lot. When he was there I think he's got the goods. I think he was great when he was at Troy and Tulane. I think it's going to translate. You're seeing what they're doing recruiting wise. It's just been outstanding. But he did, he did. He. I've said it a couple of times online. Kentucky, South Florida fans are not too kind to that, but they do. Brad White, longtime Kentucky defensive coordinator, that's there. Chris Collins, longtime safeties coach or cornerbacks coach of Kentucky. I think he's safety coaching out Florida. He's there. They brought some guys behind the scenes that worked at Kentucky. It's a, it's a loaded, loaded Kentucky staff. I mean, and even Summerall said on Fine Bomb today, the two biggest influences on him were Rich Brooks, guy he played for and was a ga under at Kentucky, and then Mark Stoops. So sure.
[18:06]
Adam Luckett
Florida fans.
[18:07]
Shane
The Florida Wildcats, baby.
[18:10]
Interviewer/Host
They're back, baby.
[18:11]
Adam Luckett
All right, Adam, all of our coverage here at SEC Media Days is brought to you by Tennessee Legend. I know you guys are bourbon people, but we're Tennessee whiskey people. Tennessee legend makes the best Tennessee whiskey out there. So we're asking everybody for their Tennessee legend boldest take heading into the SEC season.
[18:28]
Shane
I'll actually stay in Tennessee. I saw, I saw what Shane did. I saw he, I saw, he said, you know, Kentucky's gonna be winning, kneeling. So how's about, how's this return favor? Tennessee 9 and 3 makes the playoff. First SEC team 9 and 3 makes the college Football Playoff.
[18:45]
Adam Luckett
I love it.
[18:46]
Interviewer/Host
Golly, my favorite Kentucky guy now.
[18:51]
Adam Luckett
All right, Adam, before you go, tell our audience how to find you and how to find all your work over Kentucky sports radio.
[18:55]
Shane
Yeah. Adam luck@ksr. Twitter@kentuckysportsradio.com ksrplus.com 11 Personnel Podcast. You can find me and good buddy Nick Roush. I know you. I know you're all big fans. KSR, YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple podcast, wherever you find your podcast, just. And just like Kurt Nanomy, just Google me.
[19:15]
Adam Luckett
You see what he's doing there? Shane,
[19:25]
Narrator/Advertiser
Sam.

Summary6 min read

That SEC Football Podcast

Episode: Adam Luckett: Kentucky Football's 180 Under Will Stein

Date: August 4, 2026

Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike)
Guest: Adam Luckett (Kentucky Sports Radio, KSR)
Special Guest/Co-host: Shane

Overview

This episode dives into Kentucky football’s dramatic transformation under new head coach Will Stein, unpacking the program’s 180-degree culture shift after the Stoops era. Adam Luckett brings insight from SEC Media Days, discusses the fan base’s excitement, roster overhauls, coaching philosophies, and Kentucky’s 2026 outlook in the ever-competitive SEC. They tackle the challenge of early-season heavyweights, assess key transfer additions, and offer bold takes on the coming season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dramatic Culture Shift: Stoops to Stein

[02:16–03:41]

Kentucky football has experienced a dramatic “180” under Will Stein, moving from Mark Stoops’ conservative, defense-first style to a bold, aggressive, offense-centric approach.
Adam Luckett: “Stoops. Defense. Defense, defense. Conservative. … Stein comes out here and says, because of me. That’s why I know we’re going to win. It’s just two different mindsets.”
The hire injected excitement into a fan base that had grown weary of “staleness” in recent years.

2. Why Will Stein? QB-Centric Vision

[04:06–05:11]

Stein was hired specifically for his quarterback development acumen and explosive offense.
Transfer QBs are now centerpieces, a sharp divergence from the previous regime.
Shane: “He got hired because of what he’s done with QBs and what he’s done on offense. QB is why he was hired. And so he said everything’s going to be run through the qb.”
Kentucky expects that if Stein’s track record translates, the program can project into the top half of the SEC in QB play.

3. Tennessee Comparison: The Power of Fun Football

[05:11–06:29]

Luckett notes Kentucky may have a similar experience to Tennessee’s jump from Jeremy Pruitt to Josh Heupel—an immediate, tangible boost in fun and offensive excitement.
Even with early losses, the change in play style can transform fan engagement.
Adam Luckett: “Even when you lose a game…it was just crazy fun, right?”

4. The Alabama Test & Realistic Expectations

[06:29–08:30]

Early matchup with Alabama looms large, but opinions split on whether Kentucky is equipped to pull a major upset out of the gate.
Stein’s system and roster in flux; expectations are for possible struggles early and mid-season but a potential hot streak in November.
Shane: “It’s hard for me to get there. I just think there’s so many unknowns about Kentucky and I think Bama specifically defensively, I think they’re going to be pretty good.”
The talk pivots to valuing a strong finish over an early, flashy upset.

5. Key “Swing Game”: South Carolina

[09:17–11:22]

Week 5 vs South Carolina marked as a pivotal, “swing” game for both programs, often forecasting the season’s direction for the winner.
Shane: “It’s the ultimate swing game in the league … The one that wins the game typically has a good season most times. The one that loses … almost never does anything good.”
Points to South Carolina’s sleeper potential if new OC Kendall Briles elevates their offense and QB Lenore Sellers meets expectations.

6. Roster Overhaul: Impact Transfers & Risk

[11:23–12:35]

Kentucky is relying on 31 transfers; offensive line upgrades stand out, especially Colton Price from Baylor and Lance Hurd.
Defensive and offensive skill positions bolstered, but many key additions have an injury history—“boom or bust” potential.
Shane: “If they hit right on these injury concerns, I think they’ve put together a really good class. … Disasters scenario if a lot of them just don’t go their way.”

7. Recruiting Structure & Front Office Revolution

[13:00–14:28]

Kentucky built a new “front office” model, importing recruiting ops staff from Oregon (Pat Biondo, Pete Nocta) for sharper, more professional roster and NIL management.
In contrast, Tennessee lacks a dedicated GM, illustrating Kentucky’s new administrative investment.
Shane: “You could just tell that there’s a real front office structure and they’re making swift, direct decisions. And it was a lot different, I think, from the other era…”

8. Administrative Drama: Mitch Barnhart’s Exit

[14:28–16:19]

UK AD Mitch Barnhart’s awkward exit caused a statewide stir, governor involvement, and public outcry over retirement arrangements.
New AD J. Batt (ex-Bama, Michigan State) now tasked with fundraising to fuel Kentucky’s facilities and future plans.
Shane: “They decide to—he decides to retire. … The governor got involved. So that was a mess.”

9. Comparing First-Year Coaches: Kentucky vs. “Kentucky South” (Florida)

[17:00–18:09]

Luckett answers Kentucky is currently in a better place than Florida (“Kentucky South”) due to stronger O-line and QB positions.
Observes Florida’s new head coach John Sumrall (plus several staffers) have deep Kentucky ties; Sumrall credits Mark Stoops and Rich Brooks as major influences.

10. Bold Predictions & Sign-Off

[18:11–18:45]

Adam Luckett’s “Tennessee Legend” bold take: Tennessee goes 9–3 and becomes the first team with three losses to make the expanded College Football Playoff.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Adam Luckett, on Stein’s bravado:
“Like Stoops last year at this said, this shit’s hard. Stein comes out here and says, because of me. That’s why I know we’re going to win. It’s just two different mindsets.” [02:41]
On QB change:
“He looked at me like I had three heads. What do you mean? Quarterback. Of course I brought my quarterback here. He’s the leader of our football team.” [04:26]
On Kentucky fans’ excitement:
“There’s going to be a point in the game whether it’s a gadget play or like a four play drive, touchdown drive. People are gonna be running around like chickens with their heads cut off in section 48 and up top in section 206.” [05:33]
On South Carolina game:
“It’s the ultimate swing game in the league … The one that wins the game typically has a good season… The one that loses … almost never does anything good that season.” [10:54]
On front office change:
“You could just tell that there’s a real front office structure and they’re making swift, direct decisions.” [13:19]

Important Timestamps

02:16 — Adam Luckett breaks down the seismic culture shift from Stoops-era to Stein-led Kentucky
04:06 — The importance of QB play and transfer impact under Will Stein
05:33 — Parallels to Tennessee’s transformation, fan-energizing football
06:41–07:43 — Early schedule challenges, including the Alabama game
09:17 — Identifying South Carolina in Week 5 as Kentucky’s pivotal “swing game”
11:23 — Discussion on transfers, offensive line upgrades, and injury risks
13:00–14:28 — Kentucky’s professionalized “front office” vs. Tennessee’s approach
14:28–16:19 — Recap of the messy AD transition and institutional politics at Kentucky
17:00–18:09 — Kentucky vs. Florida (“Kentucky South”) under first-year coaches
18:27 — Adam Luckett’s bold prediction: Tennessee makes the College Football Playoff at 9–3

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive, inside look at Kentucky's football reinvention under Will Stein—on the field and behind the scenes. The hosts and Luckett blend analysis, storytelling, and SEC Media Days color, giving listeners a strong sense of the transformative energy and risk at Kentucky, pivotal games to watch, and the evolving nature of the program’s culture and administration in an ever-volatile SEC landscape.

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Transcript71 lines

[00:01]
Narrator/Advertiser
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[01:35]
Adam Luckett
Okay. SEC Media Day's Adam Luckett Kentucky Sports Radio. You still got Venables getting fired.
[01:43]
Shane
What if I was a year early? Boomers sooner in the mentions all year I get to go now we get to go down there. So that'll be fun. Yeah, look forward to it.
[01:53]
Interviewer/Host
I love it, man. Hey, how's it been, man? I, I feel like, I mean, it's
[01:58]
Shane
not like you guys.
[01:59]
Interviewer/Host
I get it, I get it. I'm trying to not get too excited about Kentucky football, but I'm getting excited about some Kentucky football and I don't know if it's because the Steiner recliners out here saying he is who he thought he was, but let me, let me ask you, how are you feeling about this football program?
[02:17]
Shane
Well, just everything was a complete 180 this offseason. If Mark Stoops would have went right, Will Stein would have went left, you know, Quarterback, offense. Run it through the quarterback. Offense, Offense, offense. Stoops. Defense. Defense, defense. Conservative. Defensively. We're going to play aggressive. We're going to play, man. We're going to do this and that. We're going to attack, attack, attack. Stoops, we're going to play zone, we're going to play back. We're going to play conservative. We're going to try to keep you. Ben, don't break everything. Is different. And I think the fan base just is eating it up really, that it gotten stale last two years, obviously, obvious reasons, everyone was ready for a change and it's been Stein's really been a shot in the arm because he has been the opposite in a lot of ways. And I think that's been enticing to Kentucky fans and I think they're excited to have someone with this kind of bravado and moxie and like Stoops last year at this said, this shit's hard. Stein comes out here and says, because of me. That's why I know we're going to win. It's just two different mindsets. We'll see how it plays out. But you know, you go through a reset, you got a brand new coaching staff from our end, you've got all these different players, you're going to play a different style of ball. You know, you're walking in blind in a lot of ways. Shane But I think there's palpable buzz now for what they could become and people are excited to see a new brand of football. And a new brand of football is coming to Kentucky because it's been so
[03:41]
Interviewer/Host
long, you know, I mean, Tennessee. I remember convincing myself, you know, what, Derek Dooley may, may be a good hire like his daddy, you know, or then I'm like, you know, Butch Jones, who the hell's that? And then I convinced myself, you know, so when you're looking at, if you will, the, the positive attributes of what Stein will be bringing to this football team, what are some of the things that you're like, well, I can tell you one thing, we'll get this at
[04:07]
Shane
least QB at QB Development. He got hired because of what he's done with QBs and what he's done on offense. QB is why he was hired. And so he said everything's going to be run through the qb. I asked him here on Monday, I was like, you know, typically we don't see transfers, specifically Kentucky. We don't ever. Stoop's never brought a transfer here. He looked at me like I had three heads. What do you mean? Quarterback. Of course I brought my quarterback here. He's the leader of our football team. So just that mindset is going to be different, I think for Kentucky. They hired him, they bet on his QB track record showing up. And so for them, why should someone believe in Kentucky? As long as it translates and doesn't total flop, he's going to get pretty good quarterback play and they're going to be top half of the league, I would say most years quarterback and if it goes well he's going to. They'll have a chance probably to have some first round guys, right? The first round guys. Some different difference makers at the most important position. And if you have that and you build good parts around it, you can win a lot of football games. And I think that's the plan for him. Now does he have it right now? That's what we're going to find out when the season starts.
[05:12]
Adam Luckett
I know Kentucky fans are fired up but I promise you they don't know how good it's going to feel because Tennessee did something similar. Went to Jeremy Pruitt. Boring ass ball to hypo. I mean it just makes. Even when you lose a game it's like the first Hypo year was 7 6. That felt like 15 0. You know, they were just going up and down the field and it was just crazy fun, right?
[05:33]
Shane
You just don't like what am I watching? I'd say they're gonna play Alabama. I don't really know how the game's gonna go week two. I do know the place is gonna be on fire. People are fired up for that. And there's gonna be a point in the game whether it's a gadget play or like a four play drive, touchdown drive. People are gonna be running around like chickens with their heads cut off in section 48 and up top in section 206. They're not going to know like what is this? And it's because of that there's a lot of just organic excitement for what this could be. And people are really excited about Will Stein and what he's done and he's aced the off season. He really has. He could not have done the offseason. I don't think any better to get buy in to get people believing everyone's. As of now, you know, he's 00 and he says that, you know we have. I'm undefeated right now so I got a lot of positive momentum but he's gotten a lot of buy in and people are really, really excited.
[06:29]
Interviewer/Host
That Bama game is going to be awesome. I because I think Vanderbilt, you know, several remember them saying we want Bama and then they didn't want Bama. But this ain't the same Bama. I feel like this is a Kentucky on the rise.
[06:41]
Shane
That was my biggest takeaway today. It's Wednesday at SEC media days. Alfrick and Bamas here, it was like they were just oh, Alabama's here. I really want to hear what Pete Golding has to say while John Sumrall's really lighting up the room. Elko, what is he going to say? Like, do the Texas. Texas A and M angle. They're just. That was the weirdest thing for me. Just how much of an afterthought I sit there and wonder. I'm like, are we met? What are we doing? Is this. Are we being dumb? Are we not seeing something? But like, they are just kind of. I know Alabama is a sleeper team.
[07:15]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah.
[07:16]
Adam Luckett
No, it's hard to be hyped when your coach is four loss to bore. You know what? Yeah, that's true. Does Kentucky have a better coach in Alabama? That's what they're going to be saying after week two. Are you. Are you anywhere on the same planet as Roush that thinks Kentucky's knocking off Alabama?
[07:36]
Shane
It's hard for me to get there. I just think there's so many unknowns about Kentucky and I think Bama specifically defensively, I think they're going to be pretty good. So.
[07:44]
Adam Luckett
And the secondary is their best part.
[07:45]
Shane
You. Yeah, right. In Kentucky, I've worries about the run game. If they have to get past heavy in that game. I think Bama's got some rushers and I think I got. The secondary presents a problem. So I am not there. I think with Kentucky, Mike, really, I think they're probably going to take some lumps early, but I think where you're. Where you're going to see like, really the proof of concept for Stein is the back end of the schedule. I think things open up a little bit back and you get Florida at home, you get Louisville at home late. You get Missouri on the road. There's the Vanderbilt game at home in middle of October. You know, I'm sure we'll talk about the game after Halloween at Tennessee, but I think there's some chances for them to really make some noise late. But the front end of the schedule is pretty tough. I mean, you look at it and it's like, well, what? Losses could pile up pretty fast.
[08:30]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah. And you know, when we did our breakdown and going through Kentucky schedule especially, I saw it as a team that potentially could catch fire late in the season, you know, and. And if you were to ask me, which would you rather have? Yeah, I would love to have an Alabama win, but give me four straight wins at the end of the season going into office.
[08:51]
Shane
You want to have Florida State's here last year?
[08:52]
Interviewer/Host
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Because if. If you're going to have success in the portal, then you got proof and a momentum in the boosters, let's say. I mean it is what it is. The money comes out when they say, hey, let's get this guy what he needs to make this happen. So is there any games that right now if you're looking at Kentucky schedule, we it would be considered an upset. Is there one that you're like hey, circle this one.
[09:17]
Shane
Let's say South Carolina week five. I think that's a big one for both. It's a big swing game.
[09:25]
Adam Luckett
Just can't get them Kentucky boys, Shane Beamer out of their head. You know what.
[09:28]
Shane
But I do think sunglasses I do. You know South Carolina's got the, they've got sleeper team energy like joking on Alabama, but they do have it. And Kendall Brownles or raise the just raising the floor on offense would do them a lot.
[09:41]
Adam Luckett
And so if he can unlock the potential of Lenore Sellers, they're going to be a tough out. I think every week now we keep
[09:47]
Shane
with every year I think we say that.
[09:49]
Adam Luckett
Yeah. But I think he's finally got someone that can do it.
[09:52]
Shane
Yeah, I think, I think just with Browse, you know they're probably not going to be top three in the league on offense but they're definitely not going to be 13th. They're going to be somewhere in that middle tier and if you're there, I think they're going to have. They're going to be in position I think to win a lot of games. They were in position last year, they just couldn't finish but I think they're going to be able to probably finish better this year.
[10:12]
Interviewer/Host
I think it's a good game to have before that LSU matchup too at home. You know, just. I don't want to say you need a tune up game but at least you'll kind of understand what style offense
[10:22]
Shane
they're going to for me, Kentucky, they not they have the two noncon games but they're sandwiched between Bama at A and M. Tough start to the league but you can kind of get your sea legs a little bit and then you've got that South Carolina game. A team I think they can match up with well and I think again I wrote about this last year. It's the ultimate swing game in the league. I think because these are permanent foes in the new model. You look at the history, the one that wins the game, that wins the game typically has a good season most times. Sometimes there's not like South Carolina last year but the one that loses the game almost never does anything good that season. So it's a real big swing game in the conference specifically for those two teams trying to climb the ladder. And it's an old versus new, right. Like Beamer's been here seven years now. Everyone's talking about him on the hot seat and Stein's like the hot rising young coach. So it's a. I think that's a fascinating matchup early in the year. I think it's a huge game for Kentucky because what you're talking about, like getting on that hot run late, that's kind of. That's the kind of game you need to spark.
[11:23]
Interviewer/Host
You31 transfers in. Remove Kenny Minchi and Lance Hurd from this list. Which one are you most excited about?
[11:34]
Shane
Yeah, I think offensive lines got a potential to be a strength. Colton Price, the center from Baylor, was a real big get for them along with Hurd. I think that one obviously stands out. And then they did a weird thing where they bet on a lot of guys who have had moments like even in this league. Nick Anderson, I guess he wasn't in the SEC then when he had his big year, but played in the league. C.J.
[11:55]
Interviewer/Host
baxter, wasn't he? Oklahoma?
[11:57]
Shane
Yeah. Nick Anderson, Oklahoma, yeah.
[11:59]
Adam Luckett
But his huge year was the last year of the Big 12.
[12:01]
Interviewer/Host
That's right.
[12:01]
Shane
Yeah. He's been hurt the last two years. And then C.J. baxter was good as a true freshman. Struggled with injuries. There's a few guys like that. Aaron Gates, who's probably going to be their starting nickel at Florida, was good when he played, but he wasn't on the field a lot. Struggled with injuries. If they hit right on these injury concerns, I think they've put together a really good class. But that is a big variable that I just don't know what direction it's going to go. And I think there's like a disaster scenario if those just a lot of them just don't go their way and then you're looking up and it's just like, well, they took too many guys with injury concerns.
[12:36]
Interviewer/Host
I'd like to get your immediate reaction to this. Tennessee just landed dgg. What's your thought?
[12:47]
Shane
So they overpaid a running back. Great decision making down there on Rocky Top.
[12:55]
Adam Luckett
Hey, this may come as a shock to you. They don't have a GM at Tennessee.
[13:00]
Shane
What's the reason for that? Does he give a reason? Is it like the Mark Pope thing? He just doesn't want to say.
[13:05]
Adam Luckett
I mean, they. When you ask him, he's like, well, we got people that do those roles But I think you're, you know, he
[13:12]
Shane
won't say who's doing them.
[13:14]
Adam Luckett
Well, I mean, there's just people in the operations. Yeah, scouts and stuff like that, but I think you need a dedicated guy.
[13:19]
Shane
In today's era, that was a big talking point. Locally. Kentucky, they have one. Stein brought it from Oregon. Pat Biondo, Pete Nocta is like the number two. They have a legitimate front office staff, and they didn't really have that under sup. So it was kind of something similar to what you're just describing. So, yeah, I mean, we're going to see how that play out. I will say for Kentucky, I myself noticed the difference just from just a volume, like getting kids on campus. I noticed they were willing to play ball, I think, on some contract negotiations. Not necessarily wanting to go spend money, but saying, this is our offer, take it or leave it. We're going to ride this out. We're not going to overreact. And then I think some recruitments came back to them. They were able to get them, and they pivoted at key moments, like they were all in on the same Levitt sweepstacks early. They made a big run at that. And then when it kind of got extended, they were like, all right, we got to get out of here now to go get Minchi. We cannot let Menchie get away. And so I just. Those little things, I noticed a difference. Just you could just tell that there's a real front office structure and they're making swift, direct decisions. And it was a lot different, I think, from the other era where they were. That really wasn't the case.
[14:29]
Interviewer/Host
Last thing I got for you, I got to ask about old Mitchie. Mitchie boy Barnhart. What's going on with that hot situation? I can say that on his way out. It's in my contract.
[14:40]
Shane
I was like, what's insane about what he want to know about Kenny? Mitchie just talked about him.
[14:44]
Interviewer/Host
What's that son of a Mitch doing?
[14:47]
Shane
No, that's. That's a weird situation. Mitch had a contract and they had his thing set up where he was going to be an ambassador and they were going to pay him to do something. So they decide to. He decides to retire. They were gonna pay. They were. They were like, okay, we'll give you a job. We're gonna pay you more than we originally said. A lot of. Not only boosters, but like, people at the university were very outspoken about was like in the Lexington newspaper, people writing op eds. It was really a big deal. The governor got involved. So that was a mess. So then they say well you know he's not gonna do that. But then they come back and like they're still going to pay him and still going to have him do a job. It's just not as much as original. I think the governor even was still not super happy with that. Was that good. Governor was not super happy with that and it was just a whole mess. And they went and paid a lot of money to hire J. Batt away from Michigan State. J Batt is known as a fundraiser was at Alabama, Kentucky. That's what they need. They got a lot of projects they want to complete. They're going to need some cash to complete those and so that's, that's what they're doing. But it was, it was a mess. It really was.
[15:58]
Interviewer/Host
I hear they're still upset with, with this new arrangement even, you know.
[16:02]
Shane
Yeah, I just, I think some people are upset that they paid that much to hire an athletic director. And then the Mitch situation like again the governor I don't think is very happy with it. And then yeah, some people locally are just really hammering them for it. And Eli Capilouto, the president's been there a long time but he's, he's getting a lot of criticism, taking a lot of heat right now.
[16:20]
Adam Luckett
Hey, now that you. Not that you asked but I'm going to let you into a little window into our operation here. So Shane's been editing videos for a couple weeks, maybe a couple months and he's already asking to pay for a video editor. The work that I've been doing for about 10 years and every time he's doing the ice and this, that and the other. That's just stuff I gotta edit out. I just watch it. We've been dealing with, he's watching.
[16:43]
Shane
Having a dog.
[16:46]
Interviewer/Host
I thought maybe he wouldn't hear it.
[16:48]
Adam Luckett
No, I really wanted.
[16:49]
Interviewer/Host
So thirsty.
[16:51]
Adam Luckett
Better team under a first year coach. Kentucky or Kentucky South?
[17:00]
Shane
I'll say Kentucky I think offensive line and quarterback. Kentucky's in a better spot so I'll say Kentucky.
[17:07]
Adam Luckett
And for those that don't know Kentucky south is Florida. I mean John Sumrall's winning every. He's high fiving people. He's coming up. He, he's like a damn politician out here. He's. He knows what he's doing. He's working the room. Everybody's in love with him up here now it was just Florida day but so obviously I think you are a big Summerall fan.
[17:24]
Shane
Yeah, I like John a lot. When he was there I think he's got the goods. I think he was great when he was at Troy and Tulane. I think it's going to translate. You're seeing what they're doing recruiting wise. It's just been outstanding. But he did, he did. He. I've said it a couple of times online. Kentucky, South Florida fans are not too kind to that, but they do. Brad White, longtime Kentucky defensive coordinator, that's there. Chris Collins, longtime safeties coach or cornerbacks coach of Kentucky. I think he's safety coaching out Florida. He's there. They brought some guys behind the scenes that worked at Kentucky. It's a, it's a loaded, loaded Kentucky staff. I mean, and even Summerall said on Fine Bomb today, the two biggest influences on him were Rich Brooks, guy he played for and was a ga under at Kentucky, and then Mark Stoops. So sure.
[18:06]
Adam Luckett
Florida fans.
[18:07]
Shane
The Florida Wildcats, baby.
[18:10]
Interviewer/Host
They're back, baby.
[18:11]
Adam Luckett
All right, Adam, all of our coverage here at SEC Media Days is brought to you by Tennessee Legend. I know you guys are bourbon people, but we're Tennessee whiskey people. Tennessee legend makes the best Tennessee whiskey out there. So we're asking everybody for their Tennessee legend boldest take heading into the SEC season.
[18:28]
Shane
I'll actually stay in Tennessee. I saw, I saw what Shane did. I saw he, I saw, he said, you know, Kentucky's gonna be winning, kneeling. So how's about, how's this return favor? Tennessee 9 and 3 makes the playoff. First SEC team 9 and 3 makes the college Football Playoff.
[18:45]
Adam Luckett
I love it.
[18:46]
Interviewer/Host
Golly, my favorite Kentucky guy now.
[18:51]
Adam Luckett
All right, Adam, before you go, tell our audience how to find you and how to find all your work over Kentucky sports radio.
[18:55]
Shane
Yeah. Adam luck@ksr. Twitter@kentuckysportsradio.com ksrplus.com 11 Personnel Podcast. You can find me and good buddy Nick Roush. I know you. I know you're all big fans. KSR, YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple podcast, wherever you find your podcast, just. And just like Kurt Nanomy, just Google me.
[19:15]
Adam Luckett
You see what he's doing there? Shane,
[19:25]
Narrator/Advertiser
Sam.