Mark Stoops has undoubtedly made a mark as a head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, but the 2024 season was a rough patch. Kentucky wrapped up their season with a disappointing 4-8 record, managing only one win in SEC play. This marked the end of an eight-year streak of bowl game appearances that began back in 2015.
Coming off such a tough season, it’s no surprise Stoops is eager for a fresh start in Lexington. He’s determined to instill a renewed mindset in his players—one that emphasizes commitment, perseverance, and simply getting the job done without grumbling.
That’s the core message he’s been emphasizing this spring.
“Being very upfront with them, be very clear, define exactly what we’re looking for, and hold them to those expectations, and them holding themselves to that, you know—to the standards that we set for them. They’re doing that. That’s all we could do, is attack each day,” Stoops expressed during his opening spring press conference, as noted by On3.
The Wildcats are up against a perennial challenge in the SEC, known for its tough competition. The team got a harsh reminder of that in 2024, and Stoops knows they’ll need to gear up for another round in 2025.
“It’s a tough business we’re in. It’s a tough league. It’s gonna be a tough schedule. So, the only thing we can manage is the day to day, and attacking that day,” Stoops said.
Kentucky’s 2025 season kicks off against Toledo on August 30. They’ll have to quickly shift gears with a challenging second-week face-off against Ole Miss.
