If you’re frantically refreshing your feed to see who won KY football game today, I’ve got some news that might be a little jarring. It’s January 13, 2026. If you look outside in Lexington, the air is crisp, the goalposts at Kroger Field are lonely, and the only "football" happening involves a round ball over in Europe.
There was no Kentucky football game today.
Seriously. We are deep in the "dark ages" of the college football calendar. The national championship dust has settled, and the Wildcats aren't hitting the turf for real action until September. But wait. Don't close the tab just yet. While there wasn't a scoreboard to track today, the program is actually in the middle of a massive, program-defining transformation under new leadership.
Why the Kentucky Football Scoreboard is Quiet
College football follows a rigid schedule. Usually, the season wraps up in late November with the Governor’s Cup against Louisville, followed by a bowl game in December or very early January. By mid-January, players are either declaring for the NFL Draft, hitting the weight room, or, increasingly, entering the transfer portal.
📖 Related: U of Washington Football News: Why Jedd Fisch’s Roster Overhaul Is Working
Most people asking who won KY football game today are actually thinking of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team. They just took down Mississippi State 92-68 a few days ago, and Otega Oweh is currently lighting up the SEC. If you're looking for a "W" for the Big Blue Nation today, you’ll have to look toward the hardwood or the recruiting trail.
The Will Stein Era and the 2026 Schedule
The reason the buzz is so high right now—and why you probably thought there was a game—is the massive shift in the coaching staff. Will Stein is officially at the helm now. The SEC recently dropped the 2026 schedule, and it is a absolute gauntlet.
For the first time, Kentucky is moving into a nine-game conference schedule. No more "cupcake" weeks to pad the record in late October. The 2026 slate looks like a collision course with the titans of the sport. We’re talking about Alabama coming to Lexington on September 12. We’re talking about a trip to Norman to face Oklahoma for the first time as a conference foe on October 17.
👉 See also: Top 5 Wide Receivers in NFL: What Most People Get Wrong
When you ask who won, you have to look at the "wins" happening in the offices at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. Winning today means keeping 5-star talent from flipping to Georgia or Ohio State. It means convincing a veteran offensive lineman to stay for his fifth year instead of chasing NIL money elsewhere.
Breaking Down the 2026 Kentucky Football Schedule
- September 5: Youngstown State (The Will Stein Debut)
- September 12: Alabama (The first massive home test)
- September 19: at Texas A&M
- October 17: at Oklahoma (A historic matchup)
- November 28: Louisville (The Battle for the Governor’s Cup)
The Transfer Portal: Where Today’s Games are Won
In the modern era, "game day" is every day in January. The transfer portal is basically a high-stakes poker game. Kentucky has been aggressive. They recently secured a commitment from a veteran quarterback to compete with Cutter Boley, which is honestly the biggest "win" the program could have asked for this week.
Cutter Boley remains the future, but in the SEC, you need depth. If you don't have a backup who can win games in relief, you're toast by October. The "score" today isn't 21-14; it's whether or not the Wildcats can solidify a defensive front that lost three starters to the draft.
✨ Don't miss: Tonya Johnson: The Real Story Behind Saquon Barkley's Mom and His NFL Journey
What to Do While You Wait for Kickoff
Since you can't watch a game today, the best way to stay plugged in is to track the recruiting rankings and the updated 2026 roster. The spring game—usually held in April—will be the first chance to see Stein’s new offense in person. It’s expected to be a much faster, more vertical system than what we saw during the final years of the previous regime.
Keep an eye on Ty Bryant. He’s been racking up academic honors recently, but on the field, he’s the anchor this secondary needs.
To stay ahead of the curve, mark your calendar for the Spring Blue-White Game. Ensure your SEC Network+ subscription is active, as that’s where the early-season non-conference games will likely live. Check the official UK Athletics site for ticket snapshots, as the Alabama game in September is already projected to be a record-breaking sellout.