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Mark Stoops reveals Jamarion Wilcox did not play vs. Toledo due to violation of team rules

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz08/30/25NickSchultz_7
Kentucky RB Jamarion Wilcox
© Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kentucky running back Jamarion Wilcox did not play in Saturday’s game due to a violation of team rules, UK head coach Mark Stoops said afterward. More details will come next week, according to KSR’s Tyler Thompson.

Wilcox is preparing for his third season at Kentucky and his second in game action. He appeared in all 12 games last year, including four starts, as he totaled 590 yards and two touchdowns. He was expected to be in the Wildcats running back rotation, but did not appear in the season opener.

Wilcox arrived at UK in 2023 as a three-star prospect. He was the No. 597 overall player and No. 42-ranked running back from the cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Earlier in the offseason, Stoops praised Jamarion Wilcox’s growth throughout the spring and summer as he got ready for his redshirt sophomore year. He specifically pointed out his process as he worked to get better, focusing on maturity and dependability.

“Well, I think we all saw the talent when he was running the football,” Stoops said. “I think we all understand competition and depth drives a lot of things, right? And so, he hasn’t flinched. He’s kind of just gone through the process. And that’s all you can ask of any young man.”

Kentucky came away with the 24-16 victory over Toledo on Saturday in Zach Calzada’s first start as a ‘Cat. He completed 10 of 23 passes for 85 yards as the offense leaned heavily into the running game. Dante Dowdell led all players with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown while Seth McGowan took a team-high 18 carries for 78 yards. McGowan also found the end zone.

UK struggled in the first half, though, taking a 10-2 lead into the halftime locker room. As he assessed his team’s performance, Mark Stoops said the Wildcats had to settle into the game and avoid self-inflicted mistakes.

“We’ve got to settle down,” Stoops said. “We’re our own worst enemy. The safety was a bad decision, and if the fumble, obviously we were in great field position, got things going. (It’s the) first game. Everybody wants to make a lot of things happen, and we’re making some mistakes. We’ve just got to settle in and play.”