Jon Hale
@jonhalehl.bsky.social
Kentucky football reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader.
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football 2026 schedule: Dates for Oklahoma trip, matchup with Jon Sumrall set
The SEC unveiled dates for the 2026 Kentucky football schedule Thursday. Will Stein’s first season will feature a matchup with Jon Sumrall and trip to Oklahoma.
www.kentucky.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:49 AM
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.
Reports: Will Stein hiring Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman at UK
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Will Stein’s first Kentucky defensive coordinator will reportedly come from a playoff team.
NEW: I caught up with Jeff Traylor, one of Will Stein's biggest mentors. They lived together, and Traylor gave Stein his first college OC job.
"Very few people can be as smart as Will and love people the way Will loves them.”
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Very few people can be as smart as Will and love people the way Will loves them.”
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘He’s a savant’: Will Stein’s mentors are confident he will find success at UK
The coach Will Stein describes as a father figure has no doubts about Stein’s chances of succeeding at Kentucky.
www.kentucky.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
NEW: I caught up with Jeff Traylor, one of Will Stein's biggest mentors. They lived together, and Traylor gave Stein his first college OC job.
"Very few people can be as smart as Will and love people the way Will loves them.”
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Very few people can be as smart as Will and love people the way Will loves them.”
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: As Will Stein balances his responsibilities between Oregon and Kentucky, here's a closer look at what we know about his first UK staff so far. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here’s what we know so far about Will Stein’s first Kentucky football staff
Will Stein has at least three staff members lined up, but the assistant coaching carousel remains active with all power-conference head coaching jobs filled.
www.kentucky.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
NEW: As Will Stein balances his responsibilities between Oregon and Kentucky, here's a closer look at what we know about his first UK staff so far. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: It was reported when Mark Stoops was fired he agreed to have his $37 million buyout paid out over years.
Here are the specific details of the agreement he reached with UK.
"He’s a good man, and he gave a lot to this place." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are the specific details of the agreement he reached with UK.
"He’s a good man, and he gave a lot to this place." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are the details of the negotiated buyout Kentucky will pay Mark Stoops
Mark Stoops agreed to have his $37 million buyout paid out over five years.
www.kentucky.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:58 PM
NEW: It was reported when Mark Stoops was fired he agreed to have his $37 million buyout paid out over years.
Here are the specific details of the agreement he reached with UK.
"He’s a good man, and he gave a lot to this place." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are the specific details of the agreement he reached with UK.
"He’s a good man, and he gave a lot to this place." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Here are the details from Will Stein's first UK contract. Salary, bonuses, automatic extension, buyout numbers and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are the salary, buyout details from Will Stein’s first Kentucky contract
New UK coach Will Stein will be paid $5.5 million next season.
www.kentucky.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:10 PM
NEW: Here are the details from Will Stein's first UK contract. Salary, bonuses, automatic extension, buyout numbers and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
Will Stein says he does not want to call offensive plays as head coach at UK. Now he has an offensive coordinator to do it.
Will Stein set to hire former LSU offensive coordinator in same role at UK
Will Stein says he does not want to call offensive plays as head coach at UK. Now he has an offensive coordinator to do it.
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Will Stein says he does not want to call offensive plays as head coach at UK. Now he has an offensive coordinator to do it.
NEW: A deeper look at the issue that set Mitch Barnhart off after the Will Stein intro presser, including some specifics on what NIL deals had been approved by clearinghouse the last time Barnhart addressed Champions Blue Board about it. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mitch Barnhart, Will Stein promise UK is equipped to build competitive roster
Mark Stoops was not shy about asking for more NIL funding, so UK’s new coach has already had to address the roster budget.
www.kentucky.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
NEW: A deeper look at the issue that set Mitch Barnhart off after the Will Stein intro presser, including some specifics on what NIL deals had been approved by clearinghouse the last time Barnhart addressed Champions Blue Board about it. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: It is a risk for UK to hire a 36-year-old, first-team head coach, but it's clear Mitch Barnhart decided this was a program in need of some more risk-taking.
On the first impression set by Will Stein. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On the first impression set by Will Stein. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein grew up loving UK football, but it’s risk-taking that got him the job
New UK football coach Will Stein vowed to build on the raised expectations created by Mark Stoops at his introductory news conference.
www.kentucky.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM
NEW: It is a risk for UK to hire a 36-year-old, first-team head coach, but it's clear Mitch Barnhart decided this was a program in need of some more risk-taking.
On the first impression set by Will Stein. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On the first impression set by Will Stein. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Eli Capilouto opening Will Stein intro press conference with a rousing endorsement and vote of support for UK AD Mitch Barnhart, who has taken a lot of heat recently.
December 3, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Eli Capilouto opening Will Stein intro press conference with a rousing endorsement and vote of support for UK AD Mitch Barnhart, who has taken a lot of heat recently.
A look at the first hire for Will Stein's UK football staff. kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Stein’s first UK football assistant coach is a former Lexington Catholic star
Former Lexington Catholic, N.C. State and Louisville QB Justin Burke is Will Stein’s pick for offensive coordinator.
kentucky.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:44 PM
A look at the first hire for Will Stein's UK football staff. kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Florida fans: I talked to Jon Sumrall about Brad White a couple years ago during his first season at Troy.
Here is what he said about your new defensive coordinator. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here is what he said about your new defensive coordinator. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Report: Brad White following Jon Sumrall to Florida as defensive coordinator
One of Mark Stoops Kentucky football assistants has already found a new job.
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Florida fans: I talked to Jon Sumrall about Brad White a couple years ago during his first season at Troy.
Here is what he said about your new defensive coordinator. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here is what he said about your new defensive coordinator. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: UK has a new coach, but the work is just starting.
Here's a look at key dates to know for Will Stein's first month as coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's a look at key dates to know for Will Stein's first month as coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky football has a new coach, but now Will Stein faces a hectic month
Here are the dates you need to know as new coach Will Stein works to build a staff and roster at UK while coaching Oregon in the playoff.
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:34 PM
NEW: UK has a new coach, but the work is just starting.
Here's a look at key dates to know for Will Stein's first month as coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's a look at key dates to know for Will Stein's first month as coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
It's official: Will Stein is Kentucky's new football coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Report: Kentucky football quickly closing in on replacement for Mark Stoops
Kentucky football is reportedly turning to a former Louisville QB who grew up a UK fan as its next coach.
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:17 AM
It's official: Will Stein is Kentucky's new football coach. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Multiple reports that UK is finalizing a deal with Oregon OC Will Stein to replace Mark Stoops.
I'm told plans for his arrival are already underway in Lexington. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
I'm told plans for his arrival are already underway in Lexington. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Report: Kentucky football quickly closing in on replacement for Mark Stoops
Kentucky football is reportedly turning to a former Louisville QB who grew up a UK fan as its next coach.
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:08 AM
NEW: Multiple reports that UK is finalizing a deal with Oregon OC Will Stein to replace Mark Stoops.
I'm told plans for his arrival are already underway in Lexington. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
I'm told plans for his arrival are already underway in Lexington. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: UK has canceled the previously scheduled athletics committee meeting for this afternoon and has no plans for a news conference today to address Mark Stoops firing.
Read into that what you will about timing of a possible head coaching hire. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Read into that what you will about timing of a possible head coaching hire. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK cancels athletics board meeting as search for Mark Stoops replacement begins
Fans will have to wait to hear from UK AD Mitch Barnhart after the firing of Mark Stoops.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
NEW: UK has canceled the previously scheduled athletics committee meeting for this afternoon and has no plans for a news conference today to address Mark Stoops firing.
Read into that what you will about timing of a possible head coaching hire. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Read into that what you will about timing of a possible head coaching hire. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK President Eli Capilouto: "It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
ESPN: Mark Stoops expected to be fired by Kentucky on Monday
Kentucky football is reportedly in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Mark Stoops, its career wins leader.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:44 PM
UK President Eli Capilouto: "It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Would expect official word on Mark Stoops very shortly with team/staff meeting wrapping up.
December 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Would expect official word on Mark Stoops very shortly with team/staff meeting wrapping up.
This Herald-Leader story is 14 years old, but seems relevant tonight.
On Will Stein's childhood allegiance to UK and his family ties to the program. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On Will Stein's childhood allegiance to UK and his family ties to the program. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Family of Louisville QB bleeds Blue — most of the time
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www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:55 AM
This Herald-Leader story is 14 years old, but seems relevant tonight.
On Will Stein's childhood allegiance to UK and his family ties to the program. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On Will Stein's childhood allegiance to UK and his family ties to the program. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: So, who's next? Jon Sumrall and a bunch of other candidates that would have made sense went off the board today.
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
These are the top candidates to replace Mark Stoops as Kentucky football coach
With Jon Sumrall hired by Florida earlier than Sunday, the list of candidates to replace Mark Stoops at UK is less certain.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:13 AM
NEW: So, who's next? Jon Sumrall and a bunch of other candidates that would have made sense went off the board today.
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Florida confirms the hire of former UK LB and assistant coach Jon Sumrall as its new coach.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
November 30, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Florida confirms the hire of former UK LB and assistant coach Jon Sumrall as its new coach.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
While we wait for any news on Mark Stoops' status, here's a look at where the UK football roster stands entering the offseason.
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Breaking down UK football’s roster as the Wildcats ponder Mark Stoops’ future
A position-by-position look at where the UK football roster stands heading into the offseason.
www.kentucky.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
While we wait for any news on Mark Stoops' status, here's a look at where the UK football roster stands entering the offseason.
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: If there is a coaching change for UK football, it will not be because Mark Stoops walked away.
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Stoops reiterates there is ‘zero’ chance he walks away from Kentucky
Mark Stoops remained adamant he has a path to rebuilding Kentucky after a disappointing end to the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
NEW: If there is a coaching change for UK football, it will not be because Mark Stoops walked away.
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Injured UK CBs DJ Waller and Terhyon Nichols and LB Alex Afari are participating in warmups before the Governors' Cup game.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
November 29, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Injured UK CBs DJ Waller and Terhyon Nichols and LB Alex Afari are participating in warmups before the Governors' Cup game.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
NEW: Kentucky's 2026 recruiting class is ranked about 40 spots lower than most of Mark Stoops' previous classes.
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Why Mark Stoops is not worried about UK football’s 2026 recruiting class ranking
The 2026 class would be the lowest-ranked of Mark Stoops’ tenure at Kentucky by more than 20 spots.
www.kentucky.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM
NEW: Kentucky's 2026 recruiting class is ranked about 40 spots lower than most of Mark Stoops' previous classes.
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...