Mark Stoops Addresses Media Before Kentucky Wildcats Spring Game
Head Coach Mark Stoops finally addressed the media regarding the 2025 Kentucky Wildcats football team.
Mark Stoops is entering his 13th season as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, determined to prove that last year’s step back was nothing more than a temporary setback rather than a sign of things to come. Speaking to the media for the first time since welcoming 31 new players to the program for the spring semester, Stoops took questions for 30 minutes before allowing an hour of player availability. His message was clear: Kentucky football is moving forward with urgency and intensity.
Emphasizing Urgency and Intensity
“There’s so much to do, but that’s good,” Stoops said. “That gives us a bunch of juice, a bunch of energy that there’s so much to do today…. Let’s be on tilt today. Let’s be fourth and one today and ramp up the intensity because it can be overwhelming what all needs to be done. Let’s have that motivation day-to-day, and I feel that in the building.”
A Return to Physicality
One of the key takeaways from Stoops’ remarks is the emphasis on physicality. Kentucky’s identity has long been built on toughness, and last season’s struggles exposed a need to return to those roots. Stoops is making it a priority this spring to ensure his team re-establishes its hard-nosed approach.
“We’re going to get back to being who we are,” Stoops emphasized. “We’re going to be fundamentally good and tough and play the game the right way, and we’re going to be physical. It starts [in practice].”
Mark Stoops Addresses Media Before Kentucky Wildcats Spring Game
Head Coach Mark Stoops finally addressed the media regarding the 2025 Kentucky Wildcats football team.
Mark Stoops is entering his 13th season as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, determined to prove that last year’s step back was nothing more than a temporary setback rather than a sign of things to come. Speaking to the media for the first time since welcoming 31 new players to the program for the spring semester, Stoops took questions for 30 minutes before allowing an hour of player availability. His message was clear: Kentucky football is moving forward with urgency and intensity.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops watches during warm-ups prior to the game against the Mississippi Rebels.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops watches during warm-ups prior to the game against the Mississippi Rebels.
“There’s so much to do, but that’s good,” Stoops said. “That gives us a bunch of juice, a bunch of energy that there’s so much to do today…. Let’s be on tilt today. Let’s be fourth and one today and ramp up the intensity because it can be overwhelming what all needs to be done. Let’s have that motivation day-to-day, and I feel that in the building.”
A Return to Physicality
One of the key takeaways from Stoops’ remarks is the emphasis on physicality. Kentucky’s identity has long been built on toughness, and last season’s struggles exposed a need to return to those roots. Stoops is making it a priority this spring to ensure his team re-establishes its hard-nosed approach.
“We’re going to get back to being who we are,” Stoops emphasized. “We’re going to be fundamentally good and tough and play the game the right way, and we’re going to be physical. It starts [in practice].”
Navigating NIL and the Changing College Football Landscape
Another pressing topic is the evolving landscape of college football’s financial structure, particularly regarding NIL collectives and the anticipated revenue-sharing model. While schools are expected to pay athletes directly under the proposed House settlement, Stoops acknowledged that the plan is still awaiting judicial approval. Despite the uncertainty, Kentucky has managed to navigate the transfer portal and NIL landscape effectively.
Looking Ahead to the Spring Game
As for the spring game, Stoops confirmed that some form of an event will take place, though details are still being finalized. Spring practice is set to conclude on April 12, and the team has scheduled 15 practice sessions—something they failed to complete last year. With a renewed focus and fresh energy, Stoops and the Wildcats are determined to ensure that 2023 was just a blip on the radar, not the start of a downward trend.
