Kentucky
Kentucky passing game could have favorable matchup versus Southern Miss
Anthrony Brown-stephens On Kentucky Football Fall Camp
Much of the talk during the offseason surrounding the Kentucky football program has been about making strides in the running game. The Wildcats are hoping that an experienced offensive line along with tempo and a QB run element will give this offense more efficiency.
But balance is still needed.
With the return of Barion Brown and Dane Key, along with the addition of North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin, Kentucky has clear explosive play potential in the passing game. First-time starting quarterback Brock Vandagriff now must prove he can get these playmakers the football.
Kentucky’s passing game has a chance to put up some big numbers in Week 1.
Southern Miss has made a change at defensive coordinator with Clay Bignell moving over from FCS Eastern Illinois. That move was made because the Golden Eagles could not stop anyone in 2023. The passing defense numbers were very, very bad.
- Yards Per Pass: 8.9 (No. 131 overall)
- Success Rate: 45.5% (No. 116 overall)
- EPA/play: 0.09 (No. 98 overall)
- 20+ yard pass plays allowed: 49 (No. 118 overall)
The Golden Eagles forced their fair share of incompletions with opposing offenses posting a 58.2 percent completion rate, but when those passes were caught, they were keeping offenses ahead of the chains and generating chunk gains at a high clip. Southern Miss is hoping a coaching change pays off, but there is also heavy personnel turnover.
Southern Miss returns only one player (cornerback Michael Caraway, Jr.) who played more than 300 snaps last season in the secondary. That creates an opportunity for big plays for an experienced Kentucky wide receiver unit.
There has been a lot of talk about the running game, but do not be surprised if offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan airs it out early with big results in Week 1 at Kroger Field.
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Kentucky
Northern Kentucky claims 4 titles at Class 3A indoor track state meet
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association indoor state track meet rolled on on Wednesday, March 4. One day after Beechwood claimed the Class 1A boys team title, three Northern Kentucky big schools combined for four individual state titles in Class 3A.
Cooper’s Paul Van Laningham won the 3,200-meter run in 9:09.49 and took second place in the 1,600-meter run in 4:07.88. It was a reversal of his results at the 2025 indoor state meet and earned him his fifth overall state title. He scored all of Cooper’s points, good for ninth place in the team standings with 18 points.
Van Laningham’s teammate, Ava Dunn, got the day started with a shot put title, throwing the 8.82-pound ball 39 feet, 3.25 inches.
Simon Kenton’s Alexis Howard won the long jump with an attempt of 18 feet, 7.25 inches, then claimed the triple jump title with a distance of 37 feet, 4.25 inches. It is her second straight indoor long jump title and third overall as she also claimed the 2024 outdoor title. Taking fifth place in the 55-meter dash, she scored all 24 points for SK, finishing in a tie for eighth place. Cooper was right behind with 22 points.
Finally, Conner’s Avery Vanlandingham win the 800-meter run in 2:17.55, out-leaning North Oldham’s Millie Huang at the line.
Kentucky
Arkansas women’s basketball blown out by Kentucky in season-ending loss at SEC Tournament | Whole Hog Sports
Kentucky
Hardley Gilmore returns to Kentucky Football
A wide receiver from Belle Glade, Florida, Gilmore totaled 28 receptions for 313 yards and one touchdown for the Wildcats during the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has had a very interesting offseason as he entered the portal, flipped a commitment, and is now back in Lexington.
After the 2025 season, Gilmore committed to Louisville when he entered the transfer portal, then flipped his commitment to Baylor, and ultimately signed with the Bears. To end Gilmore’s portal saga, he’s now back in a familiar place with the Wildcats.
When the 2026 season begins, Gilmore will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Gilmore had a solid sophomore campaign with the Wildcats, appearing in all 12 games. His best game of the season came in the late-season loss against Vanderbilt. He tallied six catches for 55 yards in the game.
With Kentucky losing most of its wide receiver production from last season, this is a significant pickup, and it won’t be surprising if Gilmore is back in the starting lineup this fall.
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