The Kentucky football team is coming off a disappointing 4-8 record a season ago. As a result, it marked the first time since 2015 that Mark Stoops didn’t lead his club to a bowl game. Heading into 2025, not a whole lot is expected of the Wildcats. In fact, during the recent SEC Media Days, UK was picked to finish 15th ahead of only Mississippi State. Taking it a step further, Kentucky wasn’t a hot topic other than a Stoops’ quote saying “this (stuff’s) hard” when referring to coaching in the SEC. However, the league’s elder statesman didn’t say anything. To get back to a bowl game, they’ll need to win some potentially close contests. We’re highlighting three as Kentucky’s must-win games of 2025.
A Successful Season Hinges On These Matchups
Late Season Surge?
Saturday, November 1- at Auburn- In a season full of bad losses, the one against the Tigers ranks near the top. Hugh Freeze’s squad came into Lexington on a four-game losing streak, and hopes were high for the first UK win in Lexington over Auburn since 1966. It wasn’t meant to be, as an early 10-0 lead quickly evaporated into a 24-10 loss.
Jarquez Hunter ran for 278 yards and two touchdowns as the Wildcat defense had no answers. On the other side of the ball, Kentucky only mustered 224 yards to go along with two turnovers.
Overall, Auburn leads the series with the Wildcats 28-6 with one tie. In addition, they’ve won 19 of the last 20. However, if you are looking for a silver lining UK’s last win came in Auburn back in 2009.
Continuing with Kentucky’s must-win games of 2025, let’s look at a team the Cats have had good luck against recently.
Good On The Road
Saturday, November 22nd- At Vanderbilt– The Commodores were the surprise team in the SEC last year. That’s something the Wildcats want in 2025. Vanderbilt has won the last two times in Lexington, including a seven-point win last year. However, playing in Nashville it’s been a different story. In fact, the Cats haven’t lost on the road at Vandy since 2015.
The last season battle will be one of seventh-year quarterbacks. Diego Pavia returns for Vanderbilt while Zach Calzada will be under center for Kentucky. A win over Clark Lea’s squad greatly enhances the Wildcats’ chances of a good season.
As we wrap up our look at Kentucky’s must-win games of 2025, there’s one more huge game to examine.
Getting The Cup Back
Saturday, November 29th- At Louisville– Saying “The Battle For The Governor’s Cup” is a big game is a huge understatement. A season ago, Jeff Brohm’s Cardinals took back the Cup with a 41-14 win. An already big game got even bigger when Vince Marrow left Kentucky after 12 seasons to take a job with the Cards.
Stoops and the Wildcats would like nothing more than to take the Governor’s Cup back to Lexington, where it had resided since 2018. In addition, beating the Cards in Louisville and the former assistant who recruited a lot of them to Lexington is huge motivation.
Final Thoughts
One thing you’ll notice is that all three of these games are in November and on the road. Over the last couple of years, the Wildcats haven’t been good at home in league play. In fact, their last home SEC win came on September 30th, 2023, when they beat Florida.
Assuming Kentucky takes care of business against Toledo, Eastern Michigan, and Tennessee Tech, they’ll still need three wins to get to six. Kentucky’s been at its best when considered the underdog, and that’s how the UK head man likes it. According to ESPN, Kentucky plays the seventh-toughest schedule in the country. Six wins and a bowl game should put Stoops in the Coach Of The Year discussion.
Thanks for checking out Kentucky’s must-win games of 2025 here at Last Word On College Football. We’ll have position previews for Stoops’ 13th squad in the days leading up to the season opener against Toledo.
Main Photo: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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