Kentucky Preparing for a Toledo Team Who Won't Beat Themselves

Continuity and the MAC go together like gasoline and a lit match. The conference has more turnovers, both on the field and the coaching carousel, than an Arby’s (does Arby’s still sell apple turnovers?). I don’t know if any of those quips actually landed. My apologies. It’s been a Monday. Where were we? Oh yeah, Toledo.

Toledo has 15 consecutive seasons without a losing record. These are the teams that have a longer streak of winning campaigns:

— Alabama
— Boise State

That’s it. That’s the list.

“We have a very good opponent coming in here in Toledo,” Mark Stoops said on Monday. “Jason Candle has been extremely consistent. He and his staff have been there together for a long time. They are definitely a worthy opponent.”

The Rockets won eight games in 2024, including two over Power Four opponents. They dominated Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium, then survived a six-overtime thriller to beat Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Quarterback Tucker Gleason returns after tallying more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns.

“He’s obviously (had) a year or two in the system being a starter, quite impressive last year with the way he threw the ball and getting very valuable yards through running as well. They have designed quarterback runs that he gets the tough, aggravating yards and critical first downs, and then he also does a very nice job of buying time,” said Stoops.

Even though Toledo ranks No. 34 nationally in returning production, the best in the MAC, there are still plenty of new faces on the Rockets’ roster. One is a familiar face for Kentucky football fans, running back Chip Trayanum.

“Chip is a tough, physical back. Unfortunately wasn’t very healthy here, but we know what he’s capable of when fully healthy. I would expect in game one that he’ll be ready to go,” said Stoops.

Set aside the individual talents, Toledo is a team that plays good football. They clearly have an established culture within Candle’s proven system. It’s one reason why the line has dropped to Kentucky -7.5. The Wildcats better come ready to play for the season opener at Kroger Field.

“They are a team you have to beat. They will not beat themselves. They are very sound, they are very well coached, and we are excited about that opportunity,” said Stoops.

Kick off the 2025 Kentucky football season with KSR Plus! We’re giving you behind-the-scenes intel you won’t find anywhere else. Join the most vibrant online community in BBN ahead of a pivotal season for Mark Stoops.