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Kentucky vs. Youngstown State viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions
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- Kentucky vs. Youngstown State viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions
After months of anticipation, the wait is over. It's Week 1 of the Will Stein era, and Kentucky Football will be played in Kroger Field this Saturday.
To open the season is FCS opponent Youngstown State, who is ranked No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS top 25. Led by sixth-year head coach Doug Phillips, the Penguins aim to win their fifth FCS title, with Phillips slowly rebuilding the program after it was put on probation in 2020 for recruiting violations.
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While Youngstown State will be Kentucky's first matchup of the season, the Penguins opened their season this past week against a lesser FCS opponent, Mercyhurst. Youngstown State completely dominated the game, winning 43-10 and recording 484 yards on offense.
While they are an FCS program and are big underdogs, Youngstown State should provide a good first test for Will Stein and the Wildcats, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let's take a look at the matchup.
First look at the Will Stein offense
Will Stein is regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football, which excites Kentucky fans after more than a decade of a conservative, defense-first style under the previous staff.
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That style brought a lot of success to the program compared to its history, including two 10-win seasons, but it was also a source of frustration when things weren't going well, as was the case in recent seasons.
Stein's phrase "feed the studs" is apparent when you look at the roster, bringing in many players from top power five programs. Starting at quarterback is Kenny Minchey, who was reportedly very close to winning the starting job at Notre Dame last season. Other notable skill position players are running back CJ Baxter from Texas and wide receiver Nic Anderson from LSU. He also overhauled the offensive line, looking to bring back the 'Big Blue Wall.'
That said, many of these players will need to take jumps and/or stay healthy for Kentucky to reach their ceiling this season. It all starts with week one.
Stop the run
Kentucky's defensive line enters the 2026 season looking to play a faster, more aggressive style under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman.
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Youngstown State is an FCS team, but they have one of the best offenses in the FCS, specifically with their running game. The head of the attack for the Penguins is Beau Brungard, a senior dual-threat quarterback coming off a 2025 Walter Payton Award win, presented to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. Last season, he rushed for more than 1,400 yards while passing for more than 3,200 yards.
For Kentucky, they want to make it a point to have more success getting to the quarterback. Brungard is a shift and talented quarterback who can test that.
Make a statement
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
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Game one in the first season for a new coach, Will Stein is going to want and needs to make a statement to Big Blue Nation. For one, to create some momentum going into a brutal SEC schedule that starts early with Alabama in week two. Additionally, Kentucky has benefited this offseason from national media talking positively about Stein and the program, and they need to perform to back it up.
Kentucky is a heavy favorite and should not be in jeopardy of losing this game, but they need to come out and execute. If the new-look Wildcats can put up 40+ points and cover the spread, it will make for a good start of the Stein era.
Key Players
QB Beau Brungard, 6-10, 215 lbs
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2025 Walter Payton Award winner
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Accounted for five TDs and 351 yards of offense in the season opener
RB Jaden Gilbert, 5-10, 180 lbs
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89 yards on 5 carries in the season opener (17.8 YPC)
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670 rushing yards on 96 carries in 2025
Here is how you can watch and follow Game 1 of the Will Stein era for Kentucky Football.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Youngstown State Penguins
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Game Time:1:00 PM EST on September 5, 2026
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Location:Kroger Field in Lexington, KY
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TV Channel:SEC Network+ will have the coverage for this game. This is a streaming-only game.
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Announcers:Kevin Fitzgerald and Charlie Strong
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Online Stream:ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
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Radio:Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Network.
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Satellite Radio:XM Channel 203, Sirius Channel 98, Internet Channel 966
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Replay:ESPN+ and SEC Network (check local listings).
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Weather.com Forecast : Partly cloudy and in the high 80s
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Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky listed as 23.5-point favorites, with a point total of 62.5; ESPN gives the Wildcats a 95% chance of victory.
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Predictions:Given this is an FCS matchup, it is difficult to find protections, but DRatings.com picks the Wildcats to win 35-18. While I believe Will Stein will hold some things back in his first game, he wants to make a statement. I am taking the Cats to win and to cover in a 41-17 victory, Kentucky!
Send us your score predictions down in the comments section!
