How Kentucky football's Will Stein felt about Wildcats' 2nd scrimmage

Kentucky football wrapped up its preseason with a final scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Kroger Field, with first-year coach Will Stein stating it would be the team's last. The Wildcats focused heavily on turnovers during the game, as they aim to control errors on offense and create takeaways on defense. Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman both emphasized the importance of forcing turnovers, with Bateman noting that his group had a few "pretty cool" plays.

However, the team was short a key player: linebacker Alex Afari Jr. was unavailable for the scrimmage due to an ongoing eligibility dispute with the NCAA. After a federal appeals court granted the NCAA's request for a stay in a case initially allowing Afari a fifth season, the 2022 Kentucky graduate from Ghana is now off the team's roster. Stein said he has no control over the situation and is awaiting the outcome of the eligibility fight.

Despite the loss of Afari, Stein highlighted the progress made by other players, including quarterback Kenny Minchey. The freshman showed significant improvement this past week, including a near-40-yard scramble during a two-minute drill. Minchey has been challenged by the coaching staff to make more plays with his feet, and he has responded positively.

The Wildcats have six quarterbacks on their roster, with Minchey as the clear starter but several options in line for QB2, including freshman Matt Ponatoski, sophomore Brennen Ward, and fifth-year senior Callum Wither.