Bill Connelly of ESPN ranks Kentucky’s new head coach Will Stein 10th nationally.
Kentucky football fans have a reason to feel optimistic about the Will Stein era after Bill Connelly of ESPN released his annual rankings of the top 30 coaching hires for the 2025-26 cycle. Stein, the Wildcats’ new head coach, checked in at 10th nationally, recognized for his analytical approach, high-powered offense, and ties to the state of Kentucky, even if most of his career had been on the Louisville side.
Among his SEC peers, the top-ranked hire was Lane Kiffin at LSU, unsurprisingly taking the top spot nationally after leaving Ole Miss to lead the Tigers. Jon Sumrall at Florida earned 4th, praised for rebuilding Tulane into an 11-win team despite roster limitations. Alex Golesh at Auburn ranked 12th after quickly improving a previously struggling program, while Pete Golding at Ole Miss checked in at 15th for continuity following Kiffin’s departure. Ryan Silverfield at Arkansas rounded out the SEC hires at 24th, recognized for building a competitive roster but limited by a lack of athleticism advantages in the conference.
Stein’s placement in the top half of Connelly’s rankings signals a strong vote of confidence in his ability to compete in the SEC, a conference filled with dynamic programs and established coaches. Connelly praised Stein as the kind of hire that could emulate the success of high-risk, high-reward coaches like Dan Lanning, noting his time running efficient offenses and player development in high-pressure environments.
As the Wildcats gear up for the 2026 season, fans will be keeping a close eye on how Stein stacks up against his SEC counterparts. With Kiffin, Sumrall, Golesh, Golding, and Silverfield already making waves, the SEC coaching landscape is set for a season of intrigue, and Stein has the potential to rise even further in the national conversation.
Category: General Sports
