Bush Hamdan Expresses Confidence Kentucky’s Big Blue Wall Will Be Back to Dominating Form During 2025 College Football Season
As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the 2025 college football season, first-year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan isn’t hiding his enthusiasm. In particular, Hamdan believes the team’s historically dominant offensive line — affectionately known as the “Big Blue Wall” — is ready to reestablish itself as one of the most feared units in the Southeastern Conference.
Speaking to reporters following a summer workout session, Hamdan radiated confidence when asked about Kentucky’s offensive line outlook.
“I truly believe the Big Blue Wall is coming back in a big way,” Hamdan said. “The pride, the physicality, the unity — I’m seeing all the ingredients.”
That statement carries significant weight. The Wildcats’ offensive line — a hallmark of the Mark Stoops era — struggled during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, plagued by injuries, inconsistent play, and depth concerns. But after multiple strong recruiting cycles and targeted portal additions, Hamdan and the rest of the coaching staff are optimistic about a resurgence.
A Legacy of Dominance
Kentucky’s “Big Blue Wall” branding began under former offensive line coach John Schlarman, who tragically passed away in 2020 after a brave battle with cancer. During his tenure, the offensive line produced multiple All-SEC selections and NFL draft picks like Logan Stenberg and Drake Jackson. In 2021, the Wildcats rushed for over 2,000 yards and allowed just 17 sacks in 13 games.
In the years since, the line lost some of its edge, struggling to protect quarterbacks and open consistent running lanes. But now, with Hamdan arriving from Boise State and a renewed emphasis on physicality, the group is being rebuilt — physically and mentally.
Rebuilding Through the Portal and Development
Kentucky’s resurgence up front isn’t happening by accident. It has been part of a calculated strategy led by Hamdan and head coach Mark Stoops.
This offseason, the Wildcats added multiple experienced linemen via the transfer portal, including:
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RJ Adams (LSU): A former four-star recruit with SEC pedigree, Adams brings versatility and experience.
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Noah Josey (Vanderbilt): Known for his run-blocking prowess, Josey is expected to compete for a starting role.
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Owen Stammer (Utah): A powerful interior presence with a mean streak.
Pair these additions with returning veterans like Kenneth Horsey, Jager Burton, and David Wohlabaugh Jr., and Kentucky suddenly has the depth and competition it lacked the past two seasons.
“We needed to get tougher, plain and simple,” Hamdan said. “We needed to build depth, bring in guys who love contact, and raise the standard again.”
Hamdan praised offensive line coach Zach Yenser, who remains on staff and has worked closely with strength and conditioning personnel to develop the linemen’s frame and flexibility.
Spring Practice Standouts
Spring and early summer workouts provided a glimpse into what the 2025 Big Blue Wall could look like. Coaches say players are stronger, more disciplined, and embracing their identity as “bodyguards of the offense.”
Sophomore Luke Fortner Jr., the son of the former UK lineman and current NFL starter, has emerged as one of the rising stars at center.
“Luke just gets it,” Hamdan noted. “He sees the field like a quarterback and finishes blocks like a bulldozer.”
Meanwhile, junior tackle Deondre Buford has taken a leadership role, demanding accountability from teammates and setting the tone in practice.
“Guys like Buford are hungry. He remembers the down years. He doesn’t want that repeated,” Hamdan said.
Scheme Shift to Complement Strengths
Hamdan’s offensive scheme at Kentucky will look different than Liam Coen’s. While Coen emphasized heavy play-action and vertical threats, Hamdan’s offense is rooted in balance and quarterback mobility. That means more movement from the line, combo blocks, and zone schemes designed to create rushing lanes and limit defensive pressure.
“You’re going to see an offense that helps its linemen,” Hamdan said. “We’ll play to our strengths and keep defenses guessing.”
That shift could also benefit quarterback Kameron Dawson, a dual-threat sophomore who is expected to lead the offense in 2025. Dawson’s ability to extend plays will reduce the pressure on the line while taking advantage of their improved lateral quickness.
Mark Stoops Sees the Progress Too
Mark Stoops has built a program identity on physicality, toughness, and trench dominance. That’s why he’s encouraged by what he’s seen from the offensive line this summer — both on and off the field.
“We got pushed around the last couple of years, and I didn’t like it,” Stoops said at SEC Media Days. “That’s not who we are. But I feel like we’ve corrected course. These guys are hungry.”
Stoops noted that competition across the two-deep is more intense than it’s been in years, with second-team linemen pushing for starting spots and everyone buying into the mission.
What the Numbers Say
Last season, Kentucky ranked 12th in the SEC in sacks allowed and 11th in rushing yards per attempt. Hamdan said he wants to flip those rankings.
“Our goal is top five in both categories — protection and rushing,” he said. “I know that’s a big ask in the SEC, but if we want to win 9 or 10 games, that’s what it’ll take.”
If Kentucky can return to its 2018–2021 production levels — when it routinely posted over 4.5 yards per carry and allowed fewer than 25 sacks per year — the Wildcats could be a serious threat in the East once again.
SEC Defensive Coaches Are Taking Notice
According to anonymous quotes from coaches in Athlon’s annual preseason preview, SEC opponents have started to notice the renewed energy from Kentucky’s offensive line room.
“They’ve gone back to what made them dangerous in the first place,” one defensive coordinator said. “You can tell they’re nasty again up front.”
“They’re no longer a finesse line. You feel every snap they play,” said another.
Those are the kinds of comments the Big Blue Wall used to earn regularly — and the coaching staff wants them to continue.
Looking Ahead: The Blueprint for 2025 Success
With a new offensive system, a more cohesive line, and a quarterback who can make defenses pay with his legs, the 2025 Wildcats have the pieces in place for a rebound.
Hamdan knows it starts in the trenches. And he knows the reputation the Big Blue Wall carries.
“I came here because of the opportunity to work with these guys and help build something tough,” he said. “It’s not just about talent. It’s about attitude, pride, and tradition.”
As fall camp nears, expectations for Kentucky’s offense — especially the line — are trending upward. If Bush Hamdan is right and the Big Blue Wall does return in 2025, don’t be surprised if the Wildcats once again crash the SEC’s top tier.
And this time, the foundation will be forged in blue — just as it always was.
