Analyzing Kentucky Football's 2025 Schedule: Can They Qualify For A Bowl Game?
Last year, the Kentucky Wildcats football team underperformed, and that's putting it lightly. Although they reloaded this year with key pickups like quarterback Zach Calzada and wide receiver Kendrick Law, they're coming off a year where they finished 4-8.
As such, lines have been set almost unilaterally at 4.5 wins for the Wildcats this year. But can they beat that total? Can Kentucky get to five wins? Or even six to qualify for bowl eligibility?
The sky could be the limit for Kentucky this year, but against their schedule it remains to be seen if they'll flourish or flounder.
Toledo @ Kentucky, August 30
The Wildcats open the season up against a non-Power Four opponent in Toledo. While the Rockets do have a strong program, they won't be able to stack up against an SEC opponent.
Kentucky starts off 1-0.
Ole Miss @ Kentucky, September 6
This one is tricky, as the Wildcats did shock the world by taking out Ole Miss last year in a 20-17 win. The Rebels are down Jaxson Dart this year and now have to play in Lexington, while Kentucky only has improved. I think the Wildcats can shock the world again.
Kentucky improves to 2-0
Eastern Michigan @ Kentucky, September 13
For much of the same reasoning as Toledo, Kentucky should have an easy time routing Eastern Michigan. The only difference is that the Eagles have a significantly worse program than the Rockets.
Kentucky improves to 3-0.
Kentucky @ South Carolina, September 27
This is where things start to go downhill for the Wildcats. South Carolina probably should have made the College Football Playoff last season but were shafted despite beating Clemson. The Gamecocks, headlined by star quarterback LaNorris Sellers, could be on a warpath this year.
Kentucky loses their first game of the season. They're now 3-1.
Kentucky @ Georgia, October 4
While the Wildcats did nearly knock off Georgia last year, they also benefited from playing in Lexington. Things won't be so close on the road against one of college football's powerhouses.
Kentucky loses again and drops to 3-2.
Texas @ Kentucky, October 18
Like Georgia, the Longhorns are one of college football's powerhouses. Unlike Georgia, they beat Kentucky handily, winning 31-14. I don't think this one is particularly close.
Kentucky evens out their schedule at 3-3.
Tennessee @ Kentucky, October 25
Noticing a trend in this stretch of the schedule? Tennessee handled Kentucky last year, and they should do the same last year.
Kentucky drops to 3-4.
Kentucky @ Auburn, November 1
This is where Kentucky can get things back on track. If there was any program that underperformed as much as the Wildcats did last year, it's Auburn. They went 5-7 and finished 14th in the SEC. A new look Kentucky can take them down.
Kentucky gets back to .500 at 4-4.
Florida @ Kentucky, November 8
Florida was one of the most improved programs in the nation last year after freshman phenom DJ Lagway stepped under center. Behind a slew of new recruits and an already potent roster, the Gators could be a dark horse to win the SEC this year.
Kentucky drops to 4-5.
Tennessee Tech @ Kentucky, November 15
Buy games are buy games for a reason. The Wildcats should handle this one easily.
Kentucky improves to 5-5, breaking their projected win total and sit one win away from bowl eligibility.
Kentucky @ Vanderbilt, November 22
Vanderbilt was one of the most inconsistent teams in the country last year. When they were good they were great, but when they were poor they wildly underperformed. Kentucky can beat them.
The Wildcats win their 6th game of the year to go 6-5. They qualify for a bowl game.
Kentucky @ Louisville, November 29
Louisville was one of the better teams in the nation last year behind stellar play from quarterback Tyler Shough. He's been replaced by former USC quarterback Miller Moss, and Louisville looks like they'll be just as strong as last year.
Kentucky loses this one, dropping to 6-6.
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