LIVE BLOG: Kentucky vs. Toledo
It’s finally here. KSR’s LIVE BLOG will bring you all the sights and sounds from Kroger Field for Kentucky’s 2025 season opener vs. Toledo (12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network).
After a disappointing 4-8 season, Kentucky desperately needs to start the 2025 campaign on a good note. They’ll have to do it against a Toledo team that was picked to win the MAC and hasn’t had a losing season since 2009. The Rockets beat two Power Four teams last year, including Mississippi State by 24 points in Starkville. Head coach Jason Candle is just one win away from taking sole possession of first place on Toledo’s all-time wins list. The spread has fluctuated wildly, suggesting that no one really knows what to expect today at Kroger Field.
Will the Cats take care of business? Refresh the feed below for updates and our takes on the game, from both Kroger Field and the couch. You can also join the conversation on the KSBoard Game Thread or by texting your observations to 859-710-3556 (standard messaging rates apply).
Special thanks to our live blog sponsor this season, Friends of Coal.
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This game was close
08/30/2025 03:24:44 PMKentucky won the down-to-down (success rate) battle but this game was close everywhere else. The Cats had an average starting field position advantage (Own 36 to Own 24) and that helped them overcome the two turnovers and safety.
Final Box Score
08/30/2025 03:12:04 PMToledo wins the total yardage (329-205) and turnover (2-1) battles but Kentucky runs for 220 yards and does not give up a sack. Chip Trayanum produces 83 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches in his return to Kroger Field.
FINAL: Kentucky 24, Toledo 16
08/30/2025 03:10:11 PMA six-yard run on third-and-four by Seth McGowan moves the chains and ends the game. Toledo kicked the backdoor down to cover the spread but UK led from start to finish but there will be much for the Cats to clean up before Ole Miss rolls into town next week.
Kentucky continues to not play complementary football
08/30/2025 03:03:00 PMAfter the three-and-out, Kentucky’s defense allows Toledo to march 95 yards in seven plays to cut the lead to one-possession again. Tucker Gleason was 4-of-5 for 95 yards on that scoring drive.
But the onside kick fails. Kentucky will attempt to run the clock.
Kentucky 24, Toledo 16 | 1:54 (4Q)
Kentucky does not play complementary football
08/30/2025 02:53:54 PMKentucky’s four-minute drive to run clock did not last long. Two Seth McGowan runs net just two yards and Zach Calzada’s misfire to J.J. Hester on third down leads to punt. Toledo will get the ball back down two possessions with 4:23 left.
Another empty Toledo drive
08/30/2025 02:51:28 PMThe Rockets picked up a couple of first downs until another possession ended with a turnover on downs. Kentucky’s pass rush really showed up on that possession. UK is now trying to run the clock out to close the book on Week 1.
Kentucky 24, Toledo 9 | 4:35 (4th quarter)
Hello, Dante Dowdell
08/30/2025 02:50:45 PMThe big explosive play we’ve all been waiting for finally arrived in the fourth quarter. Dante Dowdell hits a run off the right side and goes untouched for a 79-yard touchdown. The Nebraska transfer has rushed for 128 yards today. That was the junior’s longest career run and his first 100-yard game.
Kentucky 24, Toledo 9 | 9:22 left
Jamarion Wilcox is not in uniform
08/30/2025 02:38:02 PMWondering where Jamarion Wilcox is? Kentucky’s leading rusher is not in uniform today.
Toledo responds quickly
08/30/2025 02:34:30 PMWell, it’s a one-possession game again. A big completion gets the drive rolling, and then a roughing the passer flag on Kahlil Saunders created a red zone possession. The drive ended with Tucker Gleason scrambling for a nine-yard touchdown.
The Rockets were forced to kick the extra point after a successful two-point conversion was taken off the board due to offensive pass interference. This one could come down to the wire.
Kentucky 17, Toledo 9 | 9:38 left
Seth McGowan scores his first Kentucky touchdown
08/30/2025 02:25:36 PMThe Wildcats sputtered around for quite some time but the Cats finally extended the lead to two possessions after a six-yard touchdown run by New Mexico State transfer Seth McGowan. UK marched 76 yards in 12 plays to take a 17-2 lead.
Can the home team hold on for the cover?
Put Your 4s Up!
08/30/2025 02:14:00 PMIt’s the Fourth Quarter. The Kentucky offense has actually made its way into field goal range. We’ve seen an explosive run and some methodical movement. Can they capitalize with a touchdown?
An Injury Report
08/30/2025 02:10:08 PMAlyssa Lang reports that Humphrey-Grace is now considered doubtful, and Kahlil Saunders’ knee is being worked on by the UK trainers.
The Kentucky Offense is Bad
08/30/2025 02:05:54 PMThat’s two straight drives that have stalled just outside of field goal range. The running game is looking marginally better. When Hamdan elects to pass, things aren’t going well. The tight ends have four of the nine receptions.
Shouldn’t have ate that popcorn
08/30/2025 01:56:23 PMFor a moment, it looked like Toledo had an explosive play. A wide receiver in the middle of the field bobbled it twice before he appeared to haul it in. Nope. It actually bounced to another Rocket receiver, who also bobbled it before the ball fell to the turf.
Toledo punted it away, the Cats ran into the kicker, and they elected to punt it again. This game isn’t normal, folks.
Wildcat DE Sidelined
08/30/2025 01:52:08 PMMi’Quise Humphrey-Grace suffered a sprained right ankle during the first half. Dick Gabriel says it’s a “wait and see” game if he will return or not this afternoon.
This is Deflating
08/30/2025 01:49:00 PMIt looked like the offense was gaining some momentum. Josh Kattus hurdled a guy. The running game reeled off a pair of 6-yard runs. Things were moving in the right direction. Then Bush Hamdan called three straight pass plays, all of which were incomplete.
Instead of letting Jacob Kauwe try a 57-yard field goal, Kentucky downs a punt at the 7. There is absolutely zero energy in Kroger Field.
This is a rock fight
08/30/2025 01:27:42 PMA bunch of turnovers, almost no explosive plays, and a bunch of offenses that keep falling behind the chains. Yeah, this is a slugfest. Kentucky had a big average starting field position advantage (own 38 to own 24) but could not take advantage due to two turnovers and a safety in seven possessions.
Mark Stoops wants Kentucky to settle down
08/30/2025 01:19:58 PMThe mistakes piled up for Kentucky in a sloppy half of football from the offense. Mark Stoops just wants to see his group settle in.
That was a Half
08/30/2025 01:14:50 PMThe two teams combined for less than 200 yards of offense in a 10-2 game. That was a slog. One can only hope the light turns on for the UK rushing attack in the second half.
Sack Em Soles Keeps Sacking Em
08/30/2025 01:12:10 PMIt looked like Toledo might get a little Mojo going in the two-minute offense. Steven Soles said, “No sir!” He had his second strip-sack of the day to force a Toledo punt, giving Kentucky just over a minute to try to put more points on the scoreboard before half. Let’s see if Calzada can cook up something good…
Jacob Kauwe Time
08/30/2025 01:00:46 PMJacob Kauwe has been tasked to replace the most accurate kicker in school history. We know he has a big leg, but can he split it? He drilled his first attempt from 45 yards to give the Cats a 10-2 lead with just over two minutes until halftime.
That was a 10-play drive that went 23 yards. The Kentucky offense is still leaving folks wanting so much more. The only explosive play of the day resulted in a fumble. Not Great Bob!
Another Fourth Down STUFF
08/30/2025 12:53:11 PMThis Kentucky defense is ready to roll on Money Downs. Toledo tried to go hurry-up and sneak it on fourth and short, but Stoops got in a timeout first. When they returned to the field, the Wildcats were ready, tackling Trayanum four yards behind the line of scrimmage to give the ball back to the offense. Let’s see if Kentucky can get this running game going…
Another Celebrity Sighting
08/30/2025 12:51:12 PMKentucky’s all-time sack leader is in the building. Josh Hines-Allen made the trip to Lexington to watch the Cats on Labor Day weekend.
What in the hell is going on?
08/30/2025 12:45:33 PMThe ball touched the turf on back-to-back plays, but neither team turned it over. Kentucky finally had an explosive play, one that ended disastrously. Willie Rodriguez gained more than 20 yards, but couldn’t hold onto the football, fumbling it as he was heading to the turf. Cue the Yakety Sax.
Sack Em Soles is a Master of Chaos
08/30/2025 12:44:30 PMIf it’s third and long, 35 is going to do something crazy. Steven “Sack Em” Soles turned the corner and got after Gleason, stripping the quarterback. Unfortunately, the Cats couldn’t fall on the ball, but boy, that was fun.
There was some more chaos on the ensuing return. The Kentucky return man didn’t field it cleanly. The ball bounced around before Kentucky fell on it, just on the other side of the 50.
The Wrong Choice in a RPO
08/30/2025 12:37:59 PMSometimes, giving a player options isn’t always the best option. Zach Calzada had the option of handing it off or keeping it. He made the wrong choice. Calzada kept the ball, but there was a defender right there waiting. Calzada was tackled immediately in the end zone, resulting in a safety.
NOT GREAT BOB!
Alex Afari STEPS UP on Goal Line Stand
08/30/2025 12:36:30 PMToledo had all of the momentum until they got into the red zone. They tried running right into the teeth of the Kentucky defense with their big QB.
Tucker Gleason only got a couple on a QB power on third down. On the following snap, they went back to the well, but tried running outside. Alex Afari was right there waiting for his sixth tackle of the day.
Toledo Threatening to Start Second Quarter
08/30/2025 12:27:37 PMChip Trayanum is getting into a groove. The Toledo running back is showing patience that is paying off in off-tackle runs. It’s got the Rockets rolling into the red zone. They’ll open the second quarter 12 yards away from the end zone.
The first quarter was clunky from the Kentucky offense, which is probably to be expected. The surprising part is the offensive line’s inability to consistently create easy running lanes. That needs to change.
Calzada’s First Kentucky Interception
08/30/2025 12:21:40 PMOn third and medium, Kentucky left a defensive end completely untouched. Calzada tried to throw it quickly and it went just far enough to get picked off by Toledo.
The run game hasn’t been doing Calzada any favors so far. Cats are averaging only 3.4 yards per carry.
Kentucky’s Pass Rush Off to a Great Start
08/30/2025 12:15:30 PMSam Greene played a big role in Kentucky’s first interception, bull-rushing the offensive tackle into the quarterback. On the Rockets’ second attempt, Steven Soles caused enough chaos to get his helmet ripped off, forcing a penalty that backed up Toledo a mile. Kentucky only rushed three, but Kam Olds broke through. There’s a lot to like about what the Cats are doing in predictable pass in only three reps.
The Cats are on the Board
08/30/2025 12:08:07 PMA pass interference on third down got the Cats inside the 10-yard line. Seth McGowan put Kentucky a yard away from the end zone, allowing Calzada to sneak it in for 6. Kentucky leads 7-0 with 6:27 left in the first quarter.
INTERCEPTION SZN
08/30/2025 12:01:51 PMThe first pass thrown against the Kentucky defense is an interception. After gobbling up Chip Trayanum on the opening snap, JQ Hardaway picked off Gleason to give Kentucky the ball on the 30-yard line. It’s the third interception of his career.
A Brutal Replay Review
08/30/2025 11:57:00 AMIt looked like Zach Calzada was a third down wizard. After converting a third and long to Ja’Mori Maclin with a pretty pass, he went deep to JJ Hester on third and ten. The Oklahoma transfer skied high and made a great play to gain 32 yards. Upon further review, officials ruled that his elbow hit out of bounds before he got his foot down, forcing Kentucky to punt the ball away to Toledo.
Celebrity Spotting
08/30/2025 11:51:55 AMDeone Walker couldn’t stay away for long. The Buffalo Bill is spending Labor Day weekend in Lexington watching his Wildcats.
It’s Football Time in the Bluegrass
08/30/2025 11:46:52 AMToledo deferred, putting the ball in Zach Calzada’s hands first. Let’s see what Bush Hamdan’s got up his sleeves.
WR Absence
08/30/2025 11:20:53 AMKentucky is expected to be near full health for the game against Toledo. Jon Hale noticed one notable absence. DJ Miller was one of the highest-ranked signees in the 2025 recruiting class. The lengthy outside wide receiver is not dressed for warm-ups.
Lee Corso’s final College Gameday pick is in…
08/30/2025 11:02:32 AM…and he picked the Ohio State Buckeyes to beat Texas, right in the middle of Ohio Stadium. Predictable, but still moving. “Give me my first love!”
Another Toledo Upset Pick
08/30/2025 10:25:16 AMThe Rockets have been a popular upset pick ahead of week one. Josh Pate wasn’t the first, but he was the most recent notable name to forecast a win over the SEC for the MAC. In a shocking twist, Kirk Herbstreit has been added to the list.
For a long time, Herbie was Stoops’ strongest ally in the National Media. No matter how many haters doubted the Cats, Herbie was in Kentucky’s corner. That’s not the case today. The longtime College GameDay analyst has Toledo as his “Superdog” for week 1.
Zach Calzada is a Vibe
08/30/2025 10:16:50 AMThe Kentucky QB was the first one off the bus. There were more people at the Cat Walk than he played in front of last season at Incarnate Word. He’s clearly relishing the opportunity and locked in. Look at that fit: No undershirt with the Q-zip all the way down. This guy is ready to roll.
Mark Stoops is Motivated
08/30/2025 10:15:32 AMDon’t take it from me. Listen to The Wildcat.
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