Kentucky

Way-Too-Early Louisville 2026 Opponent Preview: Kentucky

Published

1 month ago

June 2, 2026

Way-Too-Early Louisville 2026 Opponent Preview: Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With the summer months now on the horizon and rosters across college football now firmly set in stone, Louisville Cardinals On SI will provide way-too-early previews for each opponent on their 2026 schedule.

Concluding our way-too-early preview series, we have the Cardinals’ Governor’s Cup matchup at Kentucky:

Kentucky Wildcats

2026 Meeting: Saturday, Nov. 28 at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky.
Last Meeting: Louisville won 41-0 on Nov. 29, 2025 at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Ky.
All-Time Series: Kentucky leads 19-17

It’s a new era in Lexington. Following a 13-year run that saw him become the winningest head coach in Kentucky history, Mark Stoops was fired following back-to-back losing seasons, including a 5-7 campaign this past year that ended with a 41-0 beatdown from the Cards. Oddly enough, taking over the Wildcats is Louisville native and former UofL quarterback Will Stein, who spent the previous three seasons on the west coast as the offensive coordinator at Oregon.

During his time with the Ducks, Stein developed a reputation as one of the top young offensive minds in the sport. He and new offensive coordinator Joe Sloan inherited an offense that ranked 103rd in the nation at just 341.1 yards per game, and they used the transfer portal to almost completely retool this unit.

There was hope that local product Cutter Boley would stay for the regime change. But after his transfer to Arizona State, Kentucky had to dip into the portal to land their quarterback, eventually landing Notre Dame’s Kenny Minchey. Considering that the Fighting Irish have had Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard and C.J. Carr during his time in South Bend, Minchey has exclusively been a backup, only going 23-of-29 for 212 yards through the air, with 96 yards and two scores on the ground. That being said, the former blue chip prospect has a high ceiling due to his talent level, and has a chance to thrive in his first opportunity as a starter. (Sound familiar?)

As far as Minchey’s cast of characters to throw to, Kentucky sports a good mix of transfers and returners here. Wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV returns following a 28 reception/313 yards/one touchdown season, as does tight end Willie Rodriguez, who caught 23 passes for 310 yards and a score. LSU’s Nic Anderson (38 catches for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 at Oklahoma) and Southern Utah’s Shane Carr (50 receptions for 744 yards and four touchdowns) also join the fold via the portal. Returner D.J. Miller (13/175/2) also has a chance to have a breakout season as well.

As far as the ground game, the Wildcats have potential here, albeit with a massive injury question. C.J. Baxter transferred in from Texas, and when healthy, has shown to be a special player when he touches the ball. However, following a true freshman campaign where he totaled 815 yards from scrimmage, he’s been limited to only nine games played over the last two seasons. Even if Baxter is healthy, expect Oklahoma transfer Jovantae Barnes to get some reps as well, as he rushed for 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first three years with the Sooners after taking a redshirt last season.

Putting a bow on this side of the line of scrimmage is an offensive line that, on paper, should take a step forward following a 2025 season where they allowed 2.42 sacks (105th in FBS) and 6.00 tackles for loss (103rd in FBS) per game. Tennessee LT Lance Heard, Ohio State LG Tegra Tshabola and Baylor C Colton Price are all regarded as four-star transfers, with Alabama RG Olaus Alinen also joining the fold and returner Malachi Wood stepping up at RT. Time will tell how they come together as a unit and how good they can be, but there’s no doubt that the UK offensive line should be much better.

The other side of the line of scrimmage is what Stoops had traditionally been known for, but Kentucky’s defense had a down 2025 season by their standards, giving up 374.2 yards (67th in FBS) and 26.4 points (75th in FBS) per game. Stein and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman take over a defense that loses a lot of production and is relying heavily on multiple players stepping up, but does return a few impact guys.

The Wildcats were mostly mediocre in terms of their ability to get in the backfield last season, ranking 64th nationally in sacks (2.08 per game) and 52nd in tackles for loss, but do have some continuity on the defensive line. Sack leader Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (31 tackles, 7.0 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 fumble) is running it back, with fellow returners Lorenzo Cowan (13 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 fumbles) and Sam Greene (25 tackles, 3.0 for loss) rounding out a good rotation at edge rusher. The middle of the line will mainly be anchored by Tavion Gadson (28 tackles, 4.0 for loss, 2.5 sacks), with Purdue’s Jamarrion Harkless (13 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and LSU’s Ahmad Breaux (19 tackles, 2.5 for loss) rounding out the primary rotation at tackle.

The middle of the field at linebacker is where Kentucky’s defense has the most questions. Sure, they do return Grant Godfrey, who was the ‘Cats’ seventh-leading tackler at 34 (along with 2.0 for loss). But returner Antwan Smith, plus Texas’ Elijah Barnes and Arkansas’ Tavion Wallace, combined for just 12 tackles last season at their respective schools. This trio will all have to take a collective step forward so that the burden at linebacker is not all on Godfrey.

The Wildcats struggled mightily when it came to defending the pass last season, allowing 239.9 passing yards per game for the 104th-ranked passing defense in the FBS. Heading into the 2026, their secondary should be able to hold their own despite losing a few impact players.

At cornerback, Nasir Addison (13 tackles in four games) Grant Grayton (16 tackles, 3 PBUs, 1 interception) and Terhyon Nichols (18 tackles, 5 PBUs) are all running it back, with Western Carolina’s Hasaan Sykes (49 tackles, 4.0 for loss, 2.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, 5 PBUs) entering the mix. Kentucky has a great one-two punch at safety in returner Ty Bryant (Team-best 76 tackles, 2.0 for loss, 4 interceptions) and Florida’s Jordan Castell (54 tackles, 2 interceptions), but much like at linebacker, their depth on the back end does not have a lot of production.

Overall, year one under Will Stein could have a high ceiling, but it also seems to have a low floor. Their offense will rely a lot on Minchey’s capabilities in his first year as a starter, and their defense is putting faith in a lot of guys to make progress in new and bigger roles. Louisville could either have a battle on their hands, especially with this game being in Lexington, or win their third straight blowout.

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Kentucky

Kentucky health officials investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis outbreak

Published

4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

Kentucky health officials investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis outbreak

KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 61 of which have been confirmed.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora; the highest risk of infection is for people living in or traveling to subtropical regions.

Foodborne outbreaks are associated with various types of produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mixed greens.

Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.

The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics.

Public health experts are urging people to follow food-safety guidelines to reduce the risk, such as washing hands with soap and warm water after handling produce, cleaning food preparation areas and tools with soap, and water and washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.

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Kentucky

Kentucky State Police seeks public vote for national cruiser contest – Winchester Sun

Published

16 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Press Room

Kentucky State Police seeks public vote for national cruiser contest

Published 3:12 pm Monday, July 13, 2026

FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are calling on Kentuckians to help power a statewide push in a national competition that celebrates the most eye-catching police cruisers in the country.

KSP has entered the 2026 Best Looking Cruiser Contest, held annually by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST). The contest consists of the public voting on their favorite cruiser photo, with the winning image earning the cover of the association’s 2027 calendar.

“The men and women of the Kentucky State Police represent the very best of public service,” Beshear said. “I encourage every Kentuckian to show their support by voting in this national contest.”

This year, KSP is highlighting the dedication and training required to be a trooper by featuring a 2024 Mustang GT cruiser outside of the KSP Academy in Frankfort, Ky. Beyond its striking design, the image also serves as a tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Kentucky State Police have 39 troopers, officers and patrolmen who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among them was Trooper James W. McNeely who drowned during a rescue mission on the Kentucky River in 1972 and his body was never recovered.

In 2015, the KSP unveiled a nearly 10-foot-tall bronze statue, titled ‘The Trooper’, which is in front of the Academy Building. This statue was created in Trooper McNeely’s likeness and depicts a trooper walking towards the future to serve the citizens of Kentucky.

“This year’s contest photo symbolizes what it means to be a Kentucky State Police trooper, by showcasing the devotion, hard work, commitment and sacrifice that our troopers give to their local communities daily,” stated KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “We would be humbled and honored to have your vote and support on social media.”

KSP has placed in the top five in the past eight years, taking home back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. While the Florida Highway Patrol won the competition last year, Kentucky is ready to take the top spot and needs your help to win it all.

Kentuckians are encouraged to vote for KSP’s entry now through Friday, July 10, at 12:00 p.m.

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Kentucky

How one small KY town put aside its differences to celebrate America | Exclusive

Published

1 day ago

July 13, 2026

Press Room

How one small KY town put aside its differences to celebrate America | Exclusive

Nikole Valiente
| For the Courier Journal

CYNTHIANA, KY ― Pam Abnee voted for Donald Trump in 2024. Susan Bramel, her friend of 50 years, did not.

As the nation commemorated its 250th birthday this month amid a hyperpartisan election season, these politically opposed women sat next to each other on a bench outside the Harrison County Courthouse in Cynthiana on the Fourth of July.

Over the course of that week, the small town in Kentucky’s north central Bluegrass region hosted historical walking tours, a community mural painting, a day of prayer and a chance to sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, culminating in the county’s bicentennial time capsule unearthing on that special Saturday.

Abnee and Bramel made sure to find each other outside the courthouse. And they avoided talking about their biggest source of disagreement.

“I’m putting politics aside and I’m looking at the history of 250 years and all that we have gained in that 250 years,” Bramel, 69, said. “We agree on that.”

“That’s one thing we have in common,” Abnee, 73, added. “The history.”

Like most of rural Kentucky, Harrison County skews heavily conservative. More than 69% of the county voted Republican in the past three presidential elections, according to the Kentucky Board of Elections. But like other small county seats across the commonwealth, Cynthiana attracts enough liberals to create a palpable level of friction.

Every Monday, the Cynthiana Peaceful Resistance, a small progressive grassroots movement, gathers on the courthouse lawn to protest the Trump administration’s stance on abortion, immigration, war, LGBTQ+ rights, or the latest dust-up emerging from Washington, D.C.

“We’re very conservative here, so I would like to think the next generation is moving more toward the progressive side,” said Beth Tucker, 60, a retired teacher who runs a farm and sells mules. “I think there’s some hope with them. I think they’re going in that direction. The LGBTQ+ kids are feeling more at home here.”

Jaylou Lewis sees the division while driving through the city delivering DoorDash orders and turning onto streets with Trump and anti-Trump lawn signs crowded on the same block.

“It’s to the point today where it’s not even Democrat or Republican,” he said. “It’s either Trump or anti-Trump.”

Yet Lewis, who moved to Cynthiana in January with his wife, Shay Lewis, and their 2-year-old son, Rayshawn, recalled with amazement how people all over the city came together recently when a woman’s house burned down. Her daughter posted about the destruction on Facebook and people sent donations.

“Even though people are politically divided, as human beings, they united,” the 34-year-old said.

That unity was seen on July 4 as folks like Tucker, Bramel and Abnee flocked to the courthouse lawn to witness the capsule unearthing and celebrate the nation’s historic anniversary.

Surrounded by the thick July heat, Mayor Isaac Dailey delivered a speech before the digging commenced. The 28-year-old, who was born and raised in Cynthiana, implored residents to reflect on what future generations will recall of the legacy being carved out today.

“I hope they remember that we loved our neighbors, that we cared for one another in times of hardship, that we celebrated together in times of joy and that, despite our differences, we never forgot that community is built one relationship at a time,” he said.

Cynthiana natives Mary Ann Lee and John Allen Lee believe residents’ willingness to have conversations, share meals and open doors for each other, regardless of their political affiliations, is what sets their town apart from the animosity of larger cities.

“You don’t see the cancel culture here,” John, 85, said underneath the shade of a maple tree. “Just because they don’t see politics the same as I do, that doesn’t mean he isn’t my friend or she isn’t my friend.”

On the courthouse lawn, city officials, children, parents and seniors pushed shovels into the ground and — with the help of a John Deere backhoe — dug out the 75-gallon, flag-adorned, steel container that was buried on America’s 200th birthday.

They placed it on the ground, cracked it open and gingerly combed through church letters, newspapers, photos, a buckeye ring, a pair of Dr. Scholl’s sandals and a Playboy magazine.

Later that evening, residents migrated to Flat Run Veterans Park for fireworks and a performance by Kentucky native Sam L. Smith, a country singer who competed on “American Idol.”

But not all residents of Cynthiana felt the same sense of patriotism. Amid the squeals of children scampering through the splash pad, Zachary King recalled what it was like growing up gay in Cynthiana.

He experienced bullying at Harrison County High School, which led him to drop out during his sophomore year and complete his diploma online. Today, the 25-year-old is a personal care medical technician.

King didn’t attend the capsule unearthing because he was working, and he believes taxpayer money would be better spent expanding parking, housing and inclusive events for minorities sponsored by the city.

“I’m pretty sure we didn’t have nothing done in the month of June for LGBTQ people, other than some lights on the courthouse,” he said. “I think we’re bigger than the lights on the courthouse.”

Sitting beside him on a metal picnic table, Lewis, King’s brother-in-law, chimed in.

“There was no Juneteenth or nothing,” he said.

Lewis shares in many of the challenges faced by people throughout Cynthiana, Kentucky, and the country as a whole, including the mounting costs of gas, groceries and rent. But he also appreciates the moments of unity he sees in his community. Above all, he’s grateful to live somewhere where he can support his family, while giving his son a shot at a better future.

“Obviously, we’re still struggling as a country, but it’s still a great country, you know?” Lewis said. “I wouldn’t want to live nowhere else.”

This article is part of a collaboration between The Courier Journal and Boyd’s Station, a Kentucky non-profit that provides emerging artists and student journalists a rural place to hone their craft. Nikole Valiente received the 2026 Mary Withers Rural Writing Fellowship grant at Boyd’s Station.

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