The University of Kentucky is one of the premier college athletics programs not just in the SEC, but in the entire country. Across the map, the Wildcats typically have a slew of national title contenders at a number of different sports.
That was no different in 2024, as Kentucky had one of its best overall years to date. Change is the tide for the Wildcats this year, as John Calipari left the program earlier this year. Kentucky footballunderperformed, which is unusual for any Mark Stoops team.
Related: Incoming Kentucky football transfer tracker for 2025
But for every defeat, it felt like the university had a slew of successes. Both mens and women’s basketball are on a roll, football is cleaning up in the transfer portal, and other sports across Lexington are in tip top shape. While 2024 was a time for change, 2025 might be a year for major success.
So, in the spirit of the holiday season, here are a few of those presents that the Kentucky Wildcats gave us this year.
When John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas earlier this year, replacing the legendary head coach felt like an impossible task.
Who better than Mark Pope, who has the Wildcats rolling with a 10-2 record to start the season.
1. Mark Pope
2. Kenny Brooks
3. Zach Calzada
3. Zach Calzada
UIWs’ Zach Calzada throws the ball down the field against UTEp on Sep. 2, 2023
Quarterback was one of the biggest question marks for Wildcat football this past season, and often times was the team’s downfall in tight losses. High profile transfer Brock Vandagriff never took off, and true freshman Cutter Boley clearly needs more time to develop.
Enter Calzada, who transferred to Lexington last week. The former Texas A&M, Auburn, and Incarnate Word quarterback is highly regarded, has SEC experience, and could be a perfect fit in Mark Stoops’ offense.
4. A Strong Run From Volleyball
Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For just the fifth time in program history,Kentucky Women’s volleyball made it to the NCAA Elite Eight. Although they did fall to Pitt in straight sets, the Wildcats their eighth-consecutive (and fifth outright) SEC Championship. Wildcats head coach Craig Skinner was named SEC coach of the year, and sophomore outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye was named SEC player of the year.
