Kentucky is happy to have Eric Wolford back leading the offensive line

The SEC is a line of scrimmage league. That is always a big talking point during talking season. Kentucky will have one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football this season, and is hoping that leads to good things for first-year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan. To make sure that happens, head coach Mark Stoops turned to a familiar face.

In a surprise move, Kentucky fired offensive line coach Zach Yenser less than two months after the assistant signed a contract extension to hire Alabama offensive line coach Eric Wolford following Nick Saban‘s shocking retirement. The 53-year-old has returned to Lexington a couple of years after bolting for Tuscaloosa after just one season. Stoops is hopeful that the fellow Youngstown native will get the line playing to the Big Blue Wall standard.

That all starts with recruiting.

“Just thrilled not only with the coaching that he does but the ability he has recruiting. It’s truly another level, and very grateful to have him back to kind of set the tone to be what we want to be. To be what you guys want to be, and that’s a tough, physical football team. It starts with the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Stoops said during Kentucky’s kickoff luncheon on Monday. “I’ve said that the first day you ever heard me speak, and I’ll say it until they roll me out of here. You have to be physical.”

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Since Eric Wolford’s arrival on campus, we have seen an uptick in offensive line recruiting. The Wildcats currently have four offensive line prospects committed in the class of 2025 highlighted by top-500 prospect Darrin Strey. Three of the prospects are true tackles. Landing true tackle prospects has been an issue for this program over the last few cycles. There is still some work to be done on the trail, but for now, the attention turns to this season.

The Wildcats return four-year starter Eli Cox at center, starting left tackle Marques Cox is in his seventh year of college football, Jager Burton could become a three-year starter this season, and Tennessee transfer Gerald Mincey was added to fill a spot at right tackle. Depth across the board also appears to be improved. Wolford flippled junior college transfer Antonio Crease from SMU, and the new arrival could end up becoming Cox’s top backup at left tackle this season. The pieces are in place for Kentucky to have its best offensive line since 2021. Now this group needs to produce.

The vibes are positive surrounding Eric Wolford’s return. There has been a lot of talk about getting the run game ramped up this season. The Wildcats have much riding on the Big Blue Wall. So far, the arrow is pointing up.

“We’re very excited to have him back,” said Stoops.