‘We Had a Great Offseason’: Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops Reflects on Productive Summer Training Ahead of Crucial 2025 Football Season.

As the sweltering days of summer training wind down and the countdown to the 2025 college football season picks up steam, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops took a moment to reflect on his team’s offseason progress. With his usual mix of candor and confidence, Stoops delivered a clear message to the Big Blue Nation: “We had a great offseason.”

Entering his 13th season as the Wildcats’ head coach, Stoops knows that early preparation often defines success in the grueling SEC. With a slate that includes road games at Georgia and Tennessee, a much-anticipated rivalry showdown with Louisville, and a home tilt against Alabama, Kentucky’s margin for error is slim. That’s why Stoops and his staff have placed a premium on player development, conditioning, and team chemistry throughout the offseason.

Offseason Objectives: A Foundation for Fall Success

Speaking during Kentucky’s summer press conference, Stoops detailed several priorities the Wildcats tackled since spring ball concluded.

“We challenged our guys on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and as leaders,” Stoops said. “This offseason was about building toughness, learning how to finish, and understanding that we can’t take a single rep for granted.”

One of the core components of Kentucky’s summer success was an intense strength and conditioning program led by long-time director Mark Hill. According to Stoops, the players responded well to the demands, with noticeable improvements in explosiveness, stamina, and lean muscle mass.

“We’re bigger in the right places, but we’re also faster,” Stoops noted. “You can see it in our linemen and skill guys. That’s going to matter come September.”

He also highlighted the program’s emphasis on injury prevention, something that plagued the 2024 Wildcats, who lost multiple starters throughout the season.

“Our medical and training staff have done a fantastic job helping us tailor conditioning to each position group and even individual players,” he said. “We’re healthier and smarter about recovery.”

Leadership Emerging in the Locker Room

With team captains yet to be officially named, Stoops said leadership has surfaced organically, especially among veterans who’ve been through the SEC grind before.

“I’ve seen real maturity from guys like [linebacker] Alex Afari Jr., [offensive lineman] Eli Cox, and [defensive back] Maxwell Hairston,” Stoops said. “They’ve taken younger players under their wing, and that’s what winning programs are built on.”

In particular, Stoops lauded Afari, who has fully embraced his role at linebacker after transitioning from defensive back earlier in his career.

“He’s a guy who sets the tone in practice,” Stoops said. “You want your leaders to speak up, but also to back it up every single day with how they work.”

Quarterback leadership has also been front and center this offseason. With competition underway between NC State transfer Devin Leary’s successor and rising sophomore Cutter Boley, Stoops didn’t tip his hand too much but hinted at steady progress.

“We’ve got some strong arms in that room and smart decision-makers,” he said. “I like what I’m seeing from both guys.”

Offensive Identity Taking Shape

Kentucky’s offense will have a fresh look in 2025, as new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan continues to install a more balanced scheme emphasizing tempo, flexibility, and quarterback autonomy.

“Bush has brought a great energy and understanding of how to use our personnel creatively,” Stoops said. “We want to be explosive, but we also want to control the ball and wear teams down.”

The return of running back Ramon Jefferson, who missed last season with an injury, gives Kentucky a powerful downhill option. Combined with shiftier backs like JuTahn McClain and converted wideout Barion Brown seeing backfield snaps, the Wildcats should be able to vary their approach depending on the opponent.

“We can line up in 12 personnel or spread you out with five wide,” Stoops said. “It’s about creating mismatches.”

Expect the tight end position to play a larger role too, with Jordan Dingle drawing praise for his expanded skill set during summer practices.

Defensive Swagger Returns

Kentucky’s defense took a step back statistically in 2024, particularly in red-zone stops and third-down efficiency. Stoops, a defensive coach at heart, made sure the offseason addressed those shortcomings head-on.

“We went back to fundamentals—tackling, alignment, assignment,” Stoops said. “We also did a lot of situational scrimmaging so our guys understand the stakes.”

With Deone Walker anchoring the defensive line and an emerging pass rusher in Keaten Wade, Kentucky believes it can regain its reputation as a hard-nosed, opportunistic defense.

“Our corners are more confident, our linebackers are communicating better, and our safeties are playing faster,” Stoops added. “That tells me the film study and practice reps are translating.”

Special Teams Accountability

No offseason would be complete without a focus on special teams, which Stoops called a “hidden yardage” aspect of the game that too often gets overlooked.

Placekicker Alex Raynor returns after a solid season, but Stoops noted that competition is ongoing for punting and return duties.

“We’ve got guys who can flip the field or take it to the house on any given snap,” Stoops said. “We just need consistency.”

Barion Brown and freshman receiver Hardley Gilmore have taken return reps this summer, with Stoops hinting that both could have breakout special teams campaigns.

Team Culture and Mindset

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Stoops’ comments wasn’t about schemes or depth charts but rather mentality.

“The work ethic is where it needs to be. The hunger is there. We’ve got guys that care,” Stoops said. “And when you have that, good things can happen.”

He credited the culture built by strength coaches, support staff, and assistant coaches who’ve remained committed to his long-term vision for Kentucky football.

“We’re not chasing quick fixes,” he said. “We’re developing men. And we’re doing it the right way.”

Stoops also noted that NIL and transfer portal changes have challenged every program’s cohesion, but Kentucky has managed to stay focused.

“Our guys are here because they believe in this program, in each other, and in competing in the toughest league in the country.”

Looking Ahead to Fall Camp

With players reporting for fall camp in early August, Stoops emphasized that the next month will be about fine-tuning execution and depth.

“We need to identify who we can count on when things get tough,” he said. “The game doesn’t care how old you are. It cares if you can do your job.”

He expressed optimism that true freshmen like WR Cortez Mills and DB Terhyon Nichols could make early impacts, while also warning that nothing will be handed to anyone.

“Every role has to be earned, and every rep matters,” Stoops said. “That’s the standard.”

As the 2025 season looms, Mark Stoops’ message is simple: Kentucky is working, learning, and ready.

“We had a great offseason,” he said once again to close his remarks. “But now, it’s time to show what that work means on Saturdays.”

For fans, players, and coaches alike, the countdown is over. Fall is coming. And the Wildcats believe they’re ready to meet the moment.