Jon Hale
@jonhalehl.bsky.social
Kentucky football reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader.
NEW: Kentucky will likely be without three normal defensive starters this weekend.
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
These three Kentucky football defenders could be key to bowl push after injuries
Get to know three young defenders who could be key in Kentucky’s push for bowl eligibility.
www.kentucky.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:37 PM
NEW: Kentucky will likely be without three normal defensive starters this weekend.
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: A bowl game is suddenly in reach for UK football again. Here’s a rundown of the most likely options if the Wildcats get to six wins. bit.ly/4p4ajlB
A bowl game is in reach for Kentucky football again. Here are the options
Breaking down the possible postseason destinations if Kentucky football reaches bowl eligibility.
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 12:04 PM
NEW: A bowl game is suddenly in reach for UK football again. Here’s a rundown of the most likely options if the Wildcats get to six wins. bit.ly/4p4ajlB
Reposted by Jon Hale
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball at Louisville: Follow live stats, news updates from Yum Center
Follow Kentucky at Louisville basketball with Herald-Leader staff on site
www.kentucky.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 AM
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: I asked Mitch Barnhart this morning about the emotion after last two UK football wins, progress from the team and what it means for Mark Stoops' future. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After back-to-back wins, Mitch Barnhart pleased with progress from UK football
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart explained the emotion on display after back-to-back UK football wins.
www.kentucky.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
NEW: I asked Mitch Barnhart this morning about the emotion after last two UK football wins, progress from the team and what it means for Mark Stoops' future. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
The woman, a freshman on the team, was injured while performing during walk-on tryouts despite having an athletic scholarship.
UK STUNT team member sues university, team after injury during tryouts
The woman, a freshman on the team, was injured while performing during walk-on tryouts despite having an athletic scholarship.
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
The woman, a freshman on the team, was injured while performing during walk-on tryouts despite having an athletic scholarship.
NEW: Kentucky's push for bowl eligibility will happen without two defensive starters. At least one more will likely be out this week too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football loses two defensive starters for the rest of the season to injury
Kentucky will be without multiple defensive starters down the stretch as it pushes for bowl eligibility.
www.kentucky.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:55 PM
NEW: Kentucky's push for bowl eligibility will happen without two defensive starters. At least one more will likely be out this week too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: For the first time in weeks, there was some real optimism in the questions submitted for this week's UK football mailbag.
On what's next for Mark Stoops, roster building and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On what's next for Mark Stoops, roster building and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football mailbag: Did Mark Stoops start winning back fans with Florida rout?
The vibes are more optimistic in the weekly UK football mailbag after Kentucky’s blowout win against Florida.
www.kentucky.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
NEW: For the first time in weeks, there was some real optimism in the questions submitted for this week's UK football mailbag.
On what's next for Mark Stoops, roster building and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
On what's next for Mark Stoops, roster building and more www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The consensus last week was the Auburn win was not enough to change opinions about this team.
Did the Florida blowout do anything for you? Send me you takeaways and questions for the Monday mailbag.
Did the Florida blowout do anything for you? Send me you takeaways and questions for the Monday mailbag.
November 9, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The consensus last week was the Auburn win was not enough to change opinions about this team.
Did the Florida blowout do anything for you? Send me you takeaways and questions for the Monday mailbag.
Did the Florida blowout do anything for you? Send me you takeaways and questions for the Monday mailbag.
NEW: On the first day of spring practice with pads Brad White talked about the importance of UK proving it could respond to adversity better than last season.
Eight months later we know they fixed the problem. bit.ly/48aypo7
Eight months later we know they fixed the problem. bit.ly/48aypo7
Rout of Florida shows Mark Stoops fixed one of UK’s biggest offseason worries
Kentucky football players credited Mark Stoops for the resilience displayed the past two weeks.
bit.ly
November 9, 2025 at 12:35 PM
NEW: On the first day of spring practice with pads Brad White talked about the importance of UK proving it could respond to adversity better than last season.
Eight months later we know they fixed the problem. bit.ly/48aypo7
Eight months later we know they fixed the problem. bit.ly/48aypo7
Kentucky is two wins from bowl eligibility, just recorded its biggest win over Florida in 75 years.
Hit me with your questions, comments, takeaways. I'll use them for the Monday mailbag.
Hit me with your questions, comments, takeaways. I'll use them for the Monday mailbag.
November 9, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Kentucky is two wins from bowl eligibility, just recorded its biggest win over Florida in 75 years.
Hit me with your questions, comments, takeaways. I'll use them for the Monday mailbag.
Hit me with your questions, comments, takeaways. I'll use them for the Monday mailbag.
Kentucky leading Florida 38-7 after Dante Dowdell's 65-yard touchdown run.
If score holds, that would be UK's biggest win over Florida since a 40-6 win in 1950.
If score holds, that would be UK's biggest win over Florida since a 40-6 win in 1950.
November 9, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Kentucky leading Florida 38-7 after Dante Dowdell's 65-yard touchdown run.
If score holds, that would be UK's biggest win over Florida since a 40-6 win in 1950.
If score holds, that would be UK's biggest win over Florida since a 40-6 win in 1950.
The Kentucky-Florida game has featured four combined turnovers in the last seven plays.
UK still leads 24-7.
UK still leads 24-7.
November 9, 2025 at 2:07 AM
The Kentucky-Florida game has featured four combined turnovers in the last seven plays.
UK still leads 24-7.
UK still leads 24-7.
JJ Hester has five catches all season but has three touchdowns for Kentucky now.
November 9, 2025 at 1:19 AM
JJ Hester has five catches all season but has three touchdowns for Kentucky now.
Kentucky's season-long shakiness at punt returner finally results in a disaster there. Ja'Mori Maclin, who lost the job in camp but regained it after Ty Bryant struggled and Troy Stellato was hurt, just muffed one.
November 9, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Kentucky's season-long shakiness at punt returner finally results in a disaster there. Ja'Mori Maclin, who lost the job in camp but regained it after Ty Bryant struggled and Troy Stellato was hurt, just muffed one.
UK announces defenders Alex Afari and Jordan Lovett are both questionable to return after suffering injuries on first Florida drive.
November 9, 2025 at 12:54 AM
UK announces defenders Alex Afari and Jordan Lovett are both questionable to return after suffering injuries on first Florida drive.
There are a fair amount of empty seats in the upper level at Kroger Field, but the atmosphere is great so far tonight. One of the loudest moments of the season after Ty Bryant's interception on Florida's opening drive.
November 9, 2025 at 12:49 AM
There are a fair amount of empty seats in the upper level at Kroger Field, but the atmosphere is great so far tonight. One of the loudest moments of the season after Ty Bryant's interception on Florida's opening drive.
DJ Waller, listed as a game-time decision on the availability report, is participating in full warmups. That's longer than he lasted when he tried to play against Texas.
November 9, 2025 at 12:11 AM
DJ Waller, listed as a game-time decision on the availability report, is participating in full warmups. That's longer than he lasted when he tried to play against Texas.
Reposted by Jon Hale
Kentucky football QB Zach Calzada has apologized for video bragging about NIL salary, mocking critic he sent to fan who criticized him on social media.
UK QB apologies for video bragging about NIL money he sent to social media critic
Kentucky football QB Zach Calzada has apologized for video bragging about NIL salary, mocking critic he sent to fan who criticized him on social media.
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Kentucky football QB Zach Calzada has apologized for video bragging about NIL salary, mocking critic he sent to fan who criticized him on social media.
Reposted by Jon Hale
Herald-Leader UK football reporter Jon Hale provides his final thoughts and prediction for UK versus Florida.
Kentucky vs. Florida prediction: Can Wildcats build on momentum from Auburn win?
Herald-Leader UK football reporter Jon Hale provides his final thoughts and prediction for UK versus Florida.
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Herald-Leader UK football reporter Jon Hale provides his final thoughts and prediction for UK versus Florida.
NEW: Kendrick Law is finally thriving in a featured role.
"I think whenever you spend three years at an institution and you’re not getting utilized the way that he’s able because of his talent level, something about your confidence kind of takes a ding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"I think whenever you spend three years at an institution and you’re not getting utilized the way that he’s able because of his talent level, something about your confidence kind of takes a ding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
At Kentucky, Alabama transfer Kendrick Law has thrived in featured role
Alabama transfer Kendrick Law has been Kentucky’s best big-play threat.
www.kentucky.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
NEW: Kendrick Law is finally thriving in a featured role.
"I think whenever you spend three years at an institution and you’re not getting utilized the way that he’s able because of his talent level, something about your confidence kind of takes a ding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"I think whenever you spend three years at an institution and you’re not getting utilized the way that he’s able because of his talent level, something about your confidence kind of takes a ding. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Everyone agrees UK football's roster still has flaws. One explanation would be the mass transfer exodus last winter, but the way those players have performed at new schools suggests UK upgraded at almost every position. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football’s roster has flaws, but the 2024 transfer exodus isn’t the cause
Kentucky misses Dane Key but not many of the other Wildcat players who transferred after last season.
www.kentucky.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 PM
NEW: Everyone agrees UK football's roster still has flaws. One explanation would be the mass transfer exodus last winter, but the way those players have performed at new schools suggests UK upgraded at almost every position. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: For a program like Kentucky to succeed in the transfer market it needs to hit on some under-the-radar additions.
One of those showed up with his best performance yet at Auburn. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
One of those showed up with his best performance yet at Auburn. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
One of UK football’s under-the-radar transfers posted his best game yet at Auburn
Outside linebacker Sam Greene came through with a key sack to clinch the Auburn win.
www.kentucky.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
NEW: For a program like Kentucky to succeed in the transfer market it needs to hit on some under-the-radar additions.
One of those showed up with his best performance yet at Auburn. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
One of those showed up with his best performance yet at Auburn. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: How much did the Auburn win actually change the outlook for Mark Stoops? That's the main topic in this week's UK football mailbag. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football mailbag: How much goodwill did the Auburn win earn Mark Stoops?
Herald-Leader UK football beat reporter Jon Hale answers fans’ questions after the Wildcats’ win at Auburn.
www.kentucky.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
NEW: How much did the Auburn win actually change the outlook for Mark Stoops? That's the main topic in this week's UK football mailbag. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: A week ago UK lost two fumbles on the same play. Late in Saturday’s win over Auburn it looked like another embarrassing gaffe had happened.
Then Cam Miller flipped the narrative.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Then Cam Miller flipped the narrative.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
When Kentucky looked in danger of another collapse, a freshman made the key play
UK’s first SEC win in more than a year was not without some late drama.
www.kentucky.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:36 PM
NEW: A week ago UK lost two fumbles on the same play. Late in Saturday’s win over Auburn it looked like another embarrassing gaffe had happened.
Then Cam Miller flipped the narrative.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Then Cam Miller flipped the narrative.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Did the Auburn win change your feelings about the UK season or program? What other questions, comments do you have?
I’ll use them for the weekly Monday mailbag.
I’ll use them for the weekly Monday mailbag.
November 2, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Did the Auburn win change your feelings about the UK season or program? What other questions, comments do you have?
I’ll use them for the weekly Monday mailbag.
I’ll use them for the weekly Monday mailbag.