Ryan Black
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Kentucky beat writer for @sports_cj. Fervent rap music fan, but it doesn't define me, since I like Hall & Oates, too. Into anime + aliens. Road & car geek. OVO.
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Articles by Ryan Black
Kentucky-UCF score today, UK basketball exhibition game live updates
LEXINGTON — If one solely goes by preseason expectations, Kentucky basketball and coach Mark Pope shouldn't have any issues tonight at Rupp Arena versus Central Florida. The Wildcats are No. 23 in the preseason rankings of both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Top 25. The Knights, on the other hand, are picked to finish 13th in the 16-team Big 12.
Kentucky-UCF score today, UK basketball exhibition game live updates
LEXINGTON — If one solely goes by preseason expectations, Kentucky basketball and coach Mark Pope shouldn't have any issues tonight at Rupp Arena versus Central Florida. The Wildcats are No. 23 in the preseason rankings of both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Top 25. The Knights, on the other hand, are picked to finish 13th in the 16-team Big 12.
What channel is Kentucky basketball exhibition vs. UCF on today?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball wraps up its preseason exhibition slate this evening, hosting Central Florida at Rupp Arena. UK has won its two prior exhibitions, taking a 69-49 victory over Little Rock on Oct. 16 and collecting a 76-65 triumph over Texas Tech a week later. The Wildcats and Knights have played only once before; Kentucky escaped with a 59-57 win in Lexington on Jan. 3, 2006, as Rajon Rondo knocked down the go-ahead jumper in the final seconds to help the hosts avoid defeat.
How to watch Golden Tempo in Breeders' Cup Classic 2026
After a two-month layoff, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo returns to the dirt later this week. Golden Tempo will step into the gate in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic, set for Oct. 31 at Keeneland. The last time Golden Tempo raced was Aug. 29 in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Golden Tempo placed third in the 10-horse field, with Leading Change crossing the line first.
What time will Kentucky football play Tennessee in Week 10 SEC game?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football and Tennessee will square off under the lights at Neyland Stadium on Nov. 7. The SEC announced Oct. 26 the contest between the Wildcats and Volunteers will begin at 6:15 p.m. in Knoxville, Tennessee. ESPN will handle the national television broadcast. UK trails the all-time series 86-26-9 ; UT has won the past five matchups. The Wildcats , who are off this week, are 7-1 (5-1 SEC) under rookie coach Will Stein .
What will Kentucky football's final regular-season record be in 2026?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football coach Will Stein is living a charmed existence. In his first season with the Wildcats , he's 7-1. With a 5-1 record in SEC games, UK is in first place in the conference Even better for Stein's squad: It has a little extra time to enjoy the current state of affairs. This week marks its only open date of the 2026 season Life couldn't be more different for the man who succeeded Stein, however. Drew Mehringer was tabbed to replace Stein as Oregon 's offensive coordinator.
What channel is Kentucky football's game vs. Vanderbilt on today?
LEXINGTON — Only one thing stands between Kentucky football and a six-game winning streak entering its only open date of the 2026 season: Vanderbilt. UK leads the all-time series 49-45-4 in on-field matchups; the school and the NCAA, however, no longer recognize a 2021 victory vacated due to NCAA violations. But Vandy recently has turned the tide in the rivalry. Entering tonight's tilt at Kroger Field, the Commodores have won three of the past four meetings.
Kentucky-Texas Tech score today, UK basketball exhibition live updates
LEXINGTON — All it took was a phone call. Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope , when he broke down the roster with his staff, identified areas "where we might need to make some adjustments" heading into the 2026-27 season. Pope wanted an opponent that would test those possible shortcomings. Enter Texas Tech , a team Pope faced during his time at BYU , when the squads squared off in the Big 12. Pope reached out to Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland and they hammered out the details.
Kenny Minchey's HS coach is a Vanderbilt alum, but UK QB 'still my guy'
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal Oct. 22, 2026Updated Oct. 23, 2026, 9:09 a.m. CT Former Vanderbilt player Justin Geisinger faces a conflict of loyalty for the upcoming Kentucky/Vandy game. Geisinger coached UK's starting quarterback, Kenny Minchey, in high school. Geisinger also was college teammates with the Commodores' current head coach, Clark Lea. Minchey has led Kentucky to a 6-1 record while throwing 13 touchdowns against only one interception.
Kenny Minchey's HS coach is a Vanderbilt alum, but UK QB 'still my guy'
LEXINGTON — Justin Geisinger once was an All-SEC honoree on Vanderbilt's offensive line. So, as his alma mater prepares to make the short trip north to face Kentucky on Oct. 24, his rooting interests should be clear. If only it were that simple.
Democrats Should Get Behind a National AI Data Center Moratorium
Democrats have a golden opportunity to capitalize on this issue, win big in November, and take real action on AI data centers to protect people and the environment. By Mitch Jones, Common Dreams It’s becoming clear that one of the most potent political issues of this election cycle is the debate over artificial intelligence and the massive data centers powering this rapidly evolving technology.
Kentucky football doesn't always win 'pretty.' But UK just keeps winning
NORMAN, OK — Before Kentucky football and Oklahoma teed it up Oct. 17, chaos was running amok throughout the SEC. Down went top-ranked Georgia. Down went fellow top-10 clubs Alabama and Texas. That havoc wasn't restricted to the conference, though. Elsewhere, two more top-five squads — Notre Dame and Indiana — suffered their first setbacks of the season. With so much upheaval across the league and national landscape, UK was sitting pretty prior to tangling with OU.
Kentucky basketball shows positive signs in exhibition win vs. Little Rock
LEXINGTON — Kentucky looked like a typical team in this era of college basketball working through a completely overhauled roster during its 69-49 win over Little Rock on Oct. 16. That explained the 19 turnovers. But what UK coach Mark Pope saw through some of the sloppy play — and, for many of the newcomers, first-game-in Rupp-Arena-jitters — were a lot of positives he hopes to build upon as the Wildcats inch toward their season opener.
Kentucky basketball vs. Little Rock score today, exhibition start time
The Kentucky Wildcats are hosting the Little Rock Trojans in a college basketball preseason exhibition at Rupp Arena. Follow our live updates. LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball's exhibition against Little Rock tonight at Rupp Arena will mean nothing toward either team's win-loss record. Yes, it gives the Wildcats and coach Mark Pope an opportunity to roll out the ball against an opponent. A chance to get some film of how UK stacks up against players not on its roster. Above all, it's a reunion.
What we learned from Kentucky's Mark Pope, Kenny Brooks at SEC media days
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Mark Pope claims the 2026-27 version of Kentucky basketball is "probably the best shooting team I've ever had." Ears should perk up at that assertion. If there's one thing Pope knows, it's offense. Specifically, sweet-shooting squads. His first UK team, in 2024-25, led the SEC in 3-point percentage. During the coronavirus-shortened 2019-20 campaign, Pope's BYU bunch ranked first in Division I in 3-point accuracy.
What we learned from day 1 of SEC basketball media days 2026
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Say this much for Dennis Gates : The man is confident. Appearing at SEC Tipoff — the fancy, formal name the league uses for its annual media days event — on Oct. 13, Gates was asked how he dealt with the distractions of the ongoing eligibility drama surrounding a pair of his Missouri players, CJ Gunn and Mark Mitchell "I'm a CEO, not just a basketball coach," Gates said.
Mizzou coach Dennis Gates stands by Mark Mitchell, eligible or not
BIRMINGHAM, AL — If the season started today, Missouri forward Mark Mitchell wouldn't be eligible to play. What's certain: He has the steadfast support of Dennis Gates , the Tigers' coach. Gates was slated to be part of Mizzou's contingent at SEC Tipoff — what the conference calls its annual media days event — on Oct. 14. But Gates moved his appearance up a day. That's because Mitchell will be in Jefferson Circuit Court on Oct. 14 for a hearing as his eligibility saga continues.
Mizzou coach Dennis Gates stands by Mark Mitchell, eligible or not Original
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal Updated Oct. 13, 2026, 2:10 p.m. ET BIRMINGHAM, AL — If the season started today, Missouri forward Mark Mitchell wouldn't be eligible to play. What's certain: He has the steadfast support of Dennis Gates, the Tigers' coach. Gates was slated to be part of Mizzou's contingent at SEC Tipoff — what the conference calls its annual media days event — on Oct. 14. But Gates moved his appearance up a day. That's because Mitchell will be in Jefferson Circuit Court on Oct.
What time will Kentucky football play Vanderbilt in Week 8 SEC game?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football and Vanderbilt will tee it up in primetime Oct. 24 at Kroger Field The SEC announced Oct. 12 the contest between the Wildcats and Commodores will start at 7:30 p.m. in Lexington. SEC Network will air the national television broadcast. UK leads the all-time series 49-45-4 , but its 2021 victory has been vacated due to NCAA violations . Vandy has held the upper hand in recent years, winning three of the past four matchups.
Kentucky didn't have to beat LSU to prove itself. The Cats did anyway.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football didn't need a win over No. 10 LSU to prove itself. Through five games, UK under rookie coach Will Stein had done plenty to demonstrate its bona fides. It went toe to toe with Alabama in Week 2, leading well into the third quarter before the Tide changed. It traveled to the Lone Star State and toppled top-10 Texas A&M a week later. On Oct. 3, it overcame the largest road deficit in program history to take down South Carolina.
Kentucky vs. LSU score today, SEC football Week 6 game updates
LEXINGTON — There are a dizzying number of connections between the rosters of Kentucky and LSU Three Wildcats (wide receiver Nic Anderson , offensive lineman Lance Heard and defensive lineman Ahmad Breaux ) once played for the Tigers . That talent swap went the other direction, too: LSU OL Darrin Strey spent last season at UK. Then there's the Cats' leading receiver thus far: freshman sensation Kenny Darby .
Kentucky basketball's Braydon Hawthorne shows upside, flaws at UK pro day
LEXINGTON — No player on the Kentucky basketball roster is a bigger mystery than Braydon Hawthorne . There might be no player on the Wildcats ' roster with a higher ceiling, either. The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward redshirted last season. All the while, UK coach Mark Pope and Hawthorne's teammates raved about the West Virginian's potential — and what he might bring to future rosters.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein is step-for-step with Bear Bryant
COLUMBIA, SC — Before Kentucky football welcomed Alabama to Lexington in Week 2 of the season, Paul Finebaum , a man known for making bold proclamations on the regular, offered up yet another. "Seventy-five years ago, Bear Bryant coached at the University of Kentucky ," Finebaum said Sept. 12 on the set of SEC Nation. "I feel a vibe right now that the next Bear Bryant has showed up at Kentucky." Yes, that Bear. A coach so iconic, his nickname stands on its own more than four decades since his death.
Kentucky vs. LSU storylines, players to watch in Week 6 SEC matchup
After defeating South Carolina in overtime, Kentucky football is set to host LSU at Kroger Field in Week 6. The No. 10 Tigers are also 4-1 this season under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. The Wildcats are expected to use the "Power K" logo on their helmets during the game. LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had to play an extra period beyond regulation to notch its latest victory. But UK did just enough, taking down South Carolina, 35-34, in overtime at Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 3.
Kentucky football erases 17-point deficit in OT win at South Carolina
COLUMBIA, SC — On 49 occasions under former coach Mark Stoops Kentucky football faced a deficit of greater than 14 points in a game. UK's record in those contests: 0-49. Will Stein , the Wildcats ' new coach, now is 1-1 in such scenarios. After falling behind 17-0 less than four minutes into the second quarter against South Carolina Kentucky wasn't fazed. Stein's squad rallied to earn a 35-34 victory at Williams-Brice Stadium , outlasting the hosts in overtime on Oct. 3.
Kentucky LB Alex Afari out vs. South Carolina following court ruling
COLUMBIA, SC — Alex Afari is sidelined once more. A linebacker for Kentucky , Afari received a fifth year of eligibility as part of a temporary restraining order in Jefferson Circuit Court in August. But that TRO was overturned by the Kentucky Court of Appeals on Oct. 2. Because of that, Afari and the others involved in the TRO again are ineligible to play. Afari was listed as "out" on the SEC's final availability report that posted at 2:45 p.m. Oct.
Where is Kentucky football in Week 6 US LBM Coaches Poll, AP Top 25?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football is ranked for the first time US LBM Football Coaches Poll under Will Stein. UK slotted in at No. 25 in the coaches' latest rankings, released Sunday, Oct. 4. The last time the Wildcats were ranked in the coaches poll was Week 7 of the 2023 season. UK then fell to Missouri the following week — Oct. 14, 2023 — and hadn't been part of the coaches' rankings since. That is, until Sunday. Kentucky (4-1, 2-1 SEC) already was ranked No. 24 in the Associated Press Top 25.
Rights, Faith Groups Urge Congress to Block $2.8B Bomb Sale to Israel
If the Trump administration moves forward with the transfer, dozens of groups are urging lawmakers to seek a joint resolution of disapproval. By Elizabeth Hagerdorn, Al-Monitor More than 50 human rights, faith-based and foreign-policy organizations are urging Congress to publicly oppose the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale to Israel of some of the US military’s most destructive conventional weapons.
Kentucky football must end skid vs. South Carolina to get where it wants to go
LEXINGTON — Back when Will Stein still was relatively unknown in the coaching world, he met Shane Beamer. At the time, Stein worked in a variety of roles — assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and head of recruiting — at Lake Travis High School in Texas. Beamer was Oklahoma's assistant head coach, tutoring the team's tight ends and H-backs. Scouring the Lone Star State for talent, Beamer dropped by Lake Travis, hoping to find the next Baker Mayfield.
What we learned from Kentucky basketball's preseason media day
LEXINGTON — The college basketball season is nearly here. Kentucky and coach Mark Pope have plenty on tap before their 2026-27 season officially begins Nov. 3 against Manhattan. Before then, the Wildcats have their annual Big Blue Madness event (Oct. 2 at Rupp Arena) as well as three preseason exhibitions (Oct. 16 vs. Little Rock, Oct. 23 vs. Texas Tech and Oct. 28 vs. Central Florida). Another staple of the preseason: Kentucky's media day, which the program held Monday, Sept. 28.
4 Kentucky basketball players dealing with injuries in preseason practice
Kentucky basketball has four players facing injuries with the regular season less than a month away, including Milan Momcilovic and Kam Williams. LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball is working its way back to health with its 2026-27 opener barely a month away. UK has four players dealing with injuries after a week of preseason practices, announced at the program's media day Monday, Sept. 28. Momcilovic will be cleared to practice next week without a splint on his hand.
Kentucky vs. South Carolina storylines, players to watch in Week 5 matchup
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football is continuing to build momentum in Year 1 under coach Will Stein. UK just wrapped up his first month of games with a 3-1 mark, notching nonconference wins over Youngstown State and South Alabama at home and knocking off then-top-10 Texas A&M on the road. This week, the Wildcats return to SEC play. Kentucky (3-1, 1-1 SEC) travels to the Palmetto State to square off with South Carolina.
Kentucky was good enough Saturday. Good won't be enough going forward
LEXINGTON — If you're looking to encapsulate Kentucky football 's first half against South Alabama, look no further than the Wildcats ' second possession. Facing fourth-and-2 at the visitors' 42-yard line not even midway through the opening quarter, ever-aggressive UK coach Will Stein kept his offense on the field. The play couldn't have unfolded any better for the hosts. At least, for a fleeting moment. Tight end Willie Rodriguez , one of the nation's best players at his position, flashed open.
Kentucky was good enough Saturday. Good won't be enough going forward
LEXINGTON — If you're looking to encapsulate Kentucky football's first half against South Alabama, look no further than the Wildcats' second possession. Facing fourth-and-2 at the visitors' 42-yard line not even midway through the opening quarter, ever-aggressive UK coach Will Stein kept his offense on the field. The play couldn't have unfolded any better for the hosts — at least, for a fleeting moment. Tight end Willie Rodriguez, one of the nation's best players at his position, flashed open.
Dominant ground game powers Kentucky football past pesky South Alabama
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football's passing game never really got off the ground. UK's defense was stout at times and porous at others. Good thing the Wildcats' rushing attack authored a game for the ages. The dominance of Kentucky's running game powered it to a 45-21 victory over South Alabama on Sept. 26 at Kroger Field. All told, the Wildcats (3-1) rushed for 390 yards.
Kentucky great Michael Kidd-Gilchrist wants 'kids like me to feel appreciated'
LEXINGTON — Michael Kidd-Gilchrist admitted his journey to becoming a Kentucky basketball player, and how his career unfolded once he got on campus, was "different" than most. Growing up in New Jersey, Kidd-Gilchrist never received help for his stuttering. At UK, Kidd-Gilchrist obtained the assistance he needed in the form of Meg Shake, a speech language pathologist. Shake was to be a primary part of Kidd-Gilchrist's speech Friday, Sept.
Alex Afari on journey back to Kentucky: 'I just wanted to play' Original
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal Sept. 23, 2026, 2:08 p.m. ET Alex Afari Jr. returned to the Kentucky football program this offseason after gaining a fifth year of NCAA eligibility. As the legal process played out, Afari was briefly held out of practice before playing in UK's first game. The Ghana native made his first tackles of 2026 during the Wildcats' road upset of Texas A&M.
3 biggest surprises for Kentucky football 3 games into the 2026 season Original
Kentucky football is off to a surprising 2-1 start in coach Will Stein's first season. Junior running back Jason Patterson leads the team in rushing yards and yards per carry. Tight end Henry Boyer has already surpassed his career receiving totals with two touchdowns this season. Senior safety Jordan Castell is having a standout year, leading the team in tackles and tied for the SEC lead in interceptions. LEXINGTON — Kentucky football has concluded the first quarter of its 2026 season.
3 biggest surprises for Kentucky football 3 games into the 2026 season
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football has concluded the first quarter of its 2026 season. Three games down. Nine to go. That the Wildcats are 2-1 under first-year coach Will Stein likely qualifies as a surprise to all except the program's most dyed-in-the-wool fans. That's because after hosting Youngstown State in the opener, UK's next two games were against a pair of College Football Playoff participants from 2025: Alabama and Texas A&M, with the latter contest being on the road.
Equaling Adolph Rupp's SEC title streak no matter to Craig Skinner | Exclusive Original
Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinner has tied Adolph Rupp's school record of nine straight SEC regular-season championships, a streak that dates back to 2017. The Wildcats are pursuing a record-setting 10th consecutive conference championship this season. Skinner credits the team's success to focusing on the present rather than past achievements or future goals.
Equaling Adolph Rupp's SEC title streak no matter to Craig Skinner | Exclusive
LEXINGTON — So vast were Adolph Rupp's accomplishments during his four decades with Kentucky basketball, the arena the program calls home bears his name. More than half a century since coaching his last game, Rupp casts a colossal shadow at UK. One nigh impossible for any coach on campus to escape. Yet Craig Skinner now stands shoulder to shoulder with Rupp. At least in one regard.
When is Kentucky vs. South Alabama game? Time, TV info, prediction Original
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal Sept. 23, 2026, 5:12 a.m. ET LEXINGTON — There's no SEC game on tap this week for Kentucky football. Instead, UK and coach Will Stein welcome a Sun Belt Conference squad to Kroger Field. Kentucky (2-1) plays host to South Alabama (2-1). This marks the first time the Wildcats have faced the Jaguars. Buy Kentucky vs.
When is Kentucky vs. South Alabama game? Time, TV info, prediction
LEXINGTON — There's no SEC game on tap this week for Kentucky football. Instead, UK and coach Will Stein welcome a Sun Belt Conference squad to Kroger Field. Kentucky (2-1) plays host to South Alabama (2-1). This marks the first time the Wildcats have faced the Jaguars. As one might expect when a power-conference team faces a Group of Six club, Kentucky isn't expected to have much trouble — at least in oddsmakers' minds. Per BetMGM, UK is favored by 20 points, as of Tuesday, Sept. 22.
What time will Kentucky football play South Carolina in Week 5?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football and South Carolina will tee it up in the afternoon in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 3. The SEC announced Monday, Sept. 21, that the Wildcats ' road game against the Gamecocks will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium . SEC Network will carry the television broadcast. UK's first-year coach, Will Stein , is hoping to turn the tide in the rivalry. South Carolina enters this season's matchup having won four straight games in the series.
What time will Kentucky football play South Carolina in Week 5? Original
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal Updated Sept. 21, 2026, 1:21 p.m. ET LEXINGTON — Kentucky football and South Carolina will tee it up in the afternoon in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 3. The SEC announced Monday, Sept. 21, that the Wildcats' road game against the Gamecocks will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. SEC Network will carry the television broadcast. UK's first-year coach, Will Stein, is hoping to turn the tide in the rivalry.
What time will Kentucky football play South Carolina in Week 5?
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football and South Carolina will tee it up in the afternoon in Columbia, South Carolina, on Oct. 3. The SEC announced Monday, Sept. 21, that the Wildcats' road game against the Gamecocks will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. SEC Network will carry the television broadcast. UK's first-year coach, Will Stein, is hoping to turn the tide in the rivalry. South Carolina enters this season's matchup having won four straight games in the series.
Kentucky vs South Alabama storylines, players to watch in Week 4 matchup
UK and coach Will Stein are fresh off a road victory against Texas A&M on Sept. 19. The Wildcats earned a 31-21 win over the Aggies, who were ranked in the top 10 of the two major polls. Now, Kentucky will try to build off that signature triumph. If UK is victorious this week, it will be the first winning streak of the Stein era.
Kentucky vs South Alabama storylines, players to watch in Week 4 matchup Original
Kentucky football is set to host South Alabama at Kroger Field a week after upsetting Texas A&M on the road. South Alabama defeated Southeastern Louisiana and Ohio before falling 28-24 against Tulane. With the Wildcats being heavy favorites, it's possible some banged-up starters are held out or limited. LEXINGTON — Kentucky football is riding high. UK and coach Will Stein are fresh off a road victory against Texas A&M on Sept. 19.
Ty Bryant leaves Kentucky football's game vs Texas A&M
COLLEGE STATION — Kentucky football safety Ty Bryant left Saturday's game against Texas A&M after suffering an injury in the second quarter. Bryant remained down on the field during the Aggies' final first-half possession. After getting up, he jogged directly into the locker room and did not return. At the time of his exit, Bryant had seven tackles (two solo). The Wildcats and Aggies were tied at 7-all when the injury occurred. That remained the score at halftime.
Kentucky football, Will Stein shock top-10 Texas A&M on the road
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — From the day he was hired, Will Stein inspired hope. It only took three games for him to deliver real results. In an outcome that shocked the college football world, Stein and his Kentucky football team went on the road and toppled national power (and double-digit favorite) Texas A&M at Kyle Field . At halftime, the Wildcats were tied at 7 with the Aggies, ranked in the top 10 in both major polls (No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches , No. 9 in the Associated Press Top 25 ).
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