Will Stein Named Midseason Coach of the Year for Kentucky Wildcats

The 2026 college football season is nearing its midpoint, and Will Stein, in his first year as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, has been named the midseason Coach of the Year by On3. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have achieved a 6-1 record and are currently ranked No. 12 nationally.

Kentucky's impressive season includes victories over notable teams such as No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 10 LSU, with their only loss coming against No. 12 Alabama, where they performed competitively in the first half. The Wildcats are tied for the top spot in the SEC standings alongside No. 5 Georgia and No. 11 Tennessee.

Stein's coaching style has been characterized by a high-energy approach, reminiscent of backyard football games, as he frequently opts for aggressive plays. Looking ahead, the Wildcats are set to face Vanderbilt in Week 8, with challenging matchups against ranked teams still on the schedule. If they finish the season strong, Stein could solidify his Coach of the Year status and lead Kentucky to the College Football Playoff.