Josh Allen says the "sky's the limit" for Kentucky football

Arguably the most dominant pass-rusher in Kentucky football history — a player partially responsible for ending Florida’s 31-game winning streak back in 2018 — believes in the 2022 Wildcats.

Following the team’s 26-16 victory over the Gators in Gainesville, former Kentucky star Josh Allen made a surprise appearance on the Mark Stoops Show this week to congratulate his former coach on defeating Florida and becoming the program’s all-time winningest head coach.

“Congratulations, coach. You’re the head man now,” Allen said.

Stoops and Allen chatted about the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker’s tough season-opening loss to the Washington Commanders and his wife and kids back home. Then, it was back to Kentucky football — and he has high expectations after seeing the way his Wildcats have opened the year.

It’s not just the on-field production, it’s the mentality the team brings to the table each week.

“Oh man, the sky’s the limit for this team,” Allen said. “Just watching them, you know, it’s crazy because Kentucky right now, I feel like we’re at a point — see how I said we — they’re at a point where it’s like, every game they come into, it’s not about who they’re playing against, it’s how they’re going to prepare for that week. No matter who you’re playing against, it’s that, ‘Who’s next?” mentality.”

Something that has stood out to Allen early? Freshmen production. Between Dane Key, Barion Brown, Deone Walker, Alex Afari and Keaten Wade, among others, Kentucky has found day-one impact pieces on both sides of the football. That’s just not common in the SEC.

“What I did notice about this group here, though, is I don’t think I’ve ever seen freshmen at the University of Kentucky make impacts — big, big impacts — the way they’re making this year in these first two games,” Allen said. “That’s exciting to see, man. I’m excited about the team. There’s nothing but big things moving forward.”

He’s also impressed with Will Levis and the clear potential he has at quarterback. The production is already there, and he continues to win as the team’s starter, but he hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he can be long-term. Allen sees it.

As Levis inches closer to his ceiling, the former Wildcat has a hard time seeing how Kentucky can be stopped this season.

“I’m excited about Will (Levis), he’s going to continue to do big things,” Allen said. “Once he gets to clicking, man, y’all boys are going to be unstoppable.”

He couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give a shoutout to the defense and the way it dominated down in Gainesville. It isn’t easy winning in The Swamp — Allen would know — but the defense still managed to find success and make it happen.

“Shoutout to that defense, man. They’re holding it down,” Allen said. “J-Dub (Jordan Wright), Coach (Brad) White, I love you. Continue to strive for greatness.”

Coming in at No. 31 overall in total defense, No. 32 in scoring defense, No. 17 in 3rd down conversion percent defense, No. 26 in allowed first downs and No. 12 in defensive passing efficiency, the Kentucky defense is most certainly holding it down.

How much better can the team be, even after a hot start to the season? “Sky’s the limit.”