WILDCATS OPEN STEIN ERA WITH 45-13 WIN OVER YOUNGSTOWN STATE

LEXINGTON, KY - The Kentucky Wildcats opened the 2026 season with a strong performance at Kroger Field, defeating Youngstown State 45-13 in Will Stein’s first game as head coach.

Kentucky wasted no time getting started. The Wildcats scored touchdowns on their first two drives, both coming from running back CJ Baxter. The Texas transfer finished with 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Quarterback Kenny Minchey also made an impressive debut. The Notre Dame transfer completed 18 of 27 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Minchey connected with Mikkel Skinner, Willie Rodriguez, Prince Jean and Kenny Darby for touchdowns. Darby led Kentucky with 74 receiving yards, including a 37-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Skinner added 61 yards and a score, while Rodriguez finished with 48 yards and a touchdown.

Kentucky’s rushing attack totaled 205 yards, with Jason Patterson leading the way with 78 yards on 11 carries. Martels Carter Jr. added 37 yards on five carries.

The Wildcats also controlled the game at the line of scrimmage, allowing Youngstown State to finish with only 59 rushing yards. The Penguins scored once in the second quarter and once in the third, but Kentucky continued to pull away.

The win gives Kentucky a 1-0 start and provides momentum heading into next week’s matchup against Alabama.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable

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Photography Credit: UK Athletics