In the demanding world of SEC football, very few coaches remain for prolonged periods, with even fewer lasting over a decade. Mark Stoops is entering his 13th season at Kentucky and holds the record as the longest-serving coach in the program’s history as well as the longest currently active in the conference. However, during his appearance at SEC Media Days, Stoops emphasized a need for a comeback rather than dwelling on his legacy.

“This shit’s hard,” Stoops remarked. “You might as well go enjoy it, dive into it. There are many who can’t last and didn’t last for 12 years, didn’t last for 13 years, especially at Kentucky. You can see from our history, many greats didn’t make it long.”

Stoops’s resilience is under scrutiny again this 2025 season as Kentucky comes off its worst performance in over a decade—an underwhelming 4-8 season, which ended an eight-year streak of bowl appearances and prompted concerns regarding the program’s trajectory. After having elevated the Wildcats to respectable standings, he holds the third-best winning percentage (.513) among Kentucky coaches with at least 70 games.

Last season saw the Wildcats lose their closing six games against FBS teams—a disappointing end compounded by the closeness of some matches. They narrowly lost to then-No. 1 Georgia by one point and managed an upset against No. 6 Ole Miss weeks later.

Stoops candidly acknowledged the stark reality of the upcoming challenges:

“When you experience a disappointing year, you have to stand here, take responsibility, discuss what you’re doing to improve, and then move on,” Stoops said. “I want us to learn and grow from last year and return to who we aim to be.”

Stoops’s resolve remains intact as he gears up for the upcoming hurdles. “I’m as motivated as ever. Zero change,” he asserted. “I prefer to say I’m ‘grateful.’ I’m genuinely happy to be here. I had a tough year physically but after my ankle replacement surgery, I’m feeling fantastic. That pain is gone when I’m out there.”

With the 2025 season approaching, Kentucky has a roster returning only seven starters, featuring nearly 50 newcomers, including transfer quarterback Zach Calzada, who may offer essential support.

However, betting odds suggest the Wildcats are set for just 4.5 wins in the upcoming season—ranking them among the lowest projections in the conference. Given the overhaul and the tough schedule ahead, how quickly this team finds its footing and returns to competitiveness in a high-pressure league will be pivotal.