(WKYT) – Kentucky Football head coach Will Stein, along with with quarterback Kenny Minchey, tight end Willie Rodriguez and defensive back Ty Bryant spoke about the upcoming season at the 2026 SEC Football Media Days.
Stein started the day talking about his new quarterback in Kenny Minchey, speaking on his development at his time at Notre Dame, and citing his intangibles as a leader.
“I was really excited to add him to the roster and to give him the reigns to our offense,” Stein said.
Sticking with the offense, Willie Rodriguez has been a big talking point during the offseason as a player that’s expected to shine this upcoming season. Stein continues to rave about him as a player and what he thinks he’ll bring to the table.
“He’s as good as anybody I’ve been around the last three, four years and that includes a second round pick, a first round pick and another first round pick at Oregon,” Stein said about Rodriguez.
As a sophomore last season, Rodriguez started in seven games. He had 23 catches for 310 yards and a touchdown.
Stein is also excited about the ability of the running back room and what they can do on the ground, being very complimentary of new RB’s CJ Baxter.
“I’m very impressed with CJ, just from a mentality standpoint,” Stein continued. “What he’s brought to our offense, a veteran leadership, a guy that’s played at a really high level. I’m really excited.”
“It’s a younger core, but I think very talented. ”Both have done a tremendous job so far. Looking forward to see what they do for us this fall.”
Stein has never shown a lack of confidence and that continued at the podium when he was asked why he believes he can win at Kentucky.
“I think because of me to be honest. Because of me. I know what it takes, I’ve seen it at the highest levels,” Stein said. “I know what it takes to recruit at this level. You just got to believe. You just got to put the ball down and play, not really much else to be said.”
The quote quickly spread on social media with it being compared to Indiana Football’s head coach Curt Cignetti’s “google me” statement.
A big talking point for Stein is the team having the right mindset.
“This is going to be a tough program. Football is the toughest game played by tough men. It’s physically demanding and mentally exhausting. But guess what? Life is tough too. And the one thing I refuse to be is soft-minded. I understand. I’ve already accepted myself that there will be tough moments this season. There always are in every year that I’ve ever coached. Our response as our team will dictate the outcomes. I cannot wait to fight adversity with this group.”
Kentucky kicks off the 2026 college football season on Sept. 5 when the Cats open at home against Youngstown State.