Kentucky Football broke ESPN’s FPI model in just one month
Before the season, ESPN's FPI favored UK in just three games. Now, the computers give Stein's Cats a shot at the CFP.
When Will Stein took over as the coach of Kentucky football, the national media immediately labeled the 2026 season as a rebuilding year. However, the transfer portal has altered the landscape on the field, and it appears that ESPN's algorithm has yet to catch up. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) predicted a dismal season for the Wildcats, favoring them in only three games at the start of the season.
Kentucky's record, which now boasts a 4-1 record with two crucial SEC road victories, has forced ESPN's FPI to reassess its projections.
After the overtime triumph against South Carolina, ESPN's FPI now anticipates Kentucky to conclude the season with roughly seven wins, translating to a 6.9-5.1 projected record. The model has significantly elevated Kentucky's chances of reaching the six-win mark and securing a bowl game, now projecting them at an 84.3 percent probability.
The most remarkable aspect of this transformation is the FPI now giving Kentucky an 8.5 percent chance to make the College Football Playoff, a scenario that would have been considered highly improbable when the season began. Will Stein and his team have undoubtedly proven the computers wrong, and the SEC is now recognizing Kentucky as more than just an underdog story – they are a formidable force.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Tetairoa McMillan: Everything just clicked on Sunday night sports.yahoo.com
