During Kentucky Football’s media day on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, Head Coach Mark Stoops was seen giving instructions, signaling the start of a crucial year for the Wildcats. The SEC’s challenge has intensified as the conference expands for the first time since Texas A&M and Missouri joined in 2012.
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was focused on finding open receivers, and the offense is ready to launch the 2024 season with renewed energy. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s defense, led by lineman Kendrick Gilbert, aims to showcase breakout performances this year. Special teams, including punter Wilson Berry, are also geared up for success.
With Texas and Oklahoma set to join the SEC in the 2024-25 athletic season after inquiring about membership on July 27, 2021, the conference’s dynamics are set to change. Initially scheduled for a 2025 entry, the schools negotiated a buyout in February 2023 to join a year earlier, expanding the SEC from 14 to 16 teams.
The conference will eliminate divisions, with the top two teams playing for the SEC Championship. Although there were rumors of increasing intra-conference games from eight to nine, the SEC decided to maintain the eight-game schedule.
Historically dominant in the Big 12, both Texas and Oklahoma are expected to quickly rise in the SEC ranks. Texas had an impressive 12-2 season, reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time, while Oklahoma finished ranked No. 15 after a 10-win season. Both schools have a strong track record of producing NFL talent, with Texas ranking second in players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, including two first-round picks.
Brad Crawford of 24/7 Sports predicts a strong season for Texas, projecting an 11-1 overall finish in the SEC. Kentucky is scheduled to play Texas in Austin on November 23, 2024, and again in Lexington in 2025. Their only previous meeting was in 1951, where Kentucky narrowly lost 7-6.
Texas, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a formidable defense, will be a tough opponent for any team this year. While Oklahoma’s expectations aren’t as high, their offense, built around sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold, is still expected to be competitive.
As the Wildcats prepare to open their 2024 season against Southern Miss on August 31, they must be ready for the formidable challenges that lie ahead in the newly expanded SEC.
