KSR Today: Welcome Back Kentucky Football with Fan Day

This weekend is for welcoming back Kentucky football into our lives. Big Blue Nation received a heavy dose of it on Friday, and we have so much in store today.

Rather than regurgitating all of the stories that circulated on Friday, let’s get to the heart of the messaging. Kentucky was direct and straightforward with Big Blue Nation, with one exception. Mitch Barnhart is not going to divulge the details of Kentucky’s revenue-sharing plan. The Kentucky athletic director does not want to publicly provide a plan that the Wildcats’ competitors can follow.

While that fact may be frustrating, they did not dodge and duck away from questions. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan made it clear that Zach Calzada is receiving a lion’s share of the snaps with the ones, and that the two transfer portal additions will be the featured ball-carriers for Kentucky.

On defense, Brad White’s message is one that applies to the whole team. It’s clear that Mark Stoops believes his team fell flat last fall when times got tough and depth entered dire straits. Rather than using their money in the portal to load up on star power, they focused on building a team whose strength is in numbers.

Will that plan work? Time will tell. Until the games begin, the Kentucky football program gave us plenty of things to talk about. They’ll give us even more when the Wildcats host an open practice for Kentucky Football Fan Day. The gates open at 10 AM, with an open practice from 11-1.

What We Learned About Kentucky’s Revenue-Sharing Plans

Mitch Barnhart did not divulge the specifics of Kentucky’s revenue-sharing plan, but he did shed a little light on how the Wildcats will operate.

Kentucky lost 145 student-athletes, but gained 80 scholarship athletes. Of the $20.5 million in the salary cap, $2.5 million is dedicated exclusively to providing scholarships. Six programs — football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, softball, and baseball — will reap the benefits from revenue-sharing. Some of that is directly in compensation to athletes. Some of it is to pay for more scholarship athletes for a team.

Revenue-sharing money cannot roll over from year to year, but scholarships in football can be split between players. Even though there’s an 85-man scholarship roster limit, that scholarship money can be split among multiple players. For example, instead of giving the final ten men on the roster scholarships, 20 players can receive half scholarships, ensuring there are enough practice players to operate efficiently.

(READ: 5 Highlights from Mitch Barnhart’s Interview on KSR)

More Kentucky Football on the KSR YouTube Channel

We heard Mitch Barnhart, Bush Hamdan, and Brad White speak for more than an hour in the Kroger Field Media Room. We also got about 45 minutes with the players on the field. They gave us plenty of material to share with you in the coming days. Until we can parse through it all, enjoy some of the interviews we captured at Kroger Field on Kentucky Football Media Day.

Mitch Barnhart Details Kentucky’s Revenue-Sharing Plans on KSR
The Kentucky AD’s Lengthy, and Enlightening, Press Conference
Brad White Believes in the Depth of the Kentucky Defense
Bush Hamdan Details Offensive Position Races
Cutter Boley and Zach Calzada Preview Fall Camp
Hardley Gilmore talks return, Kendrick Law prepares for large role at UK

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What KSR Saw in the First Padded Kentucky Football Practice

Following all of the action at Kentucky Football Media Day, Mark Stoops was kind enough to let the Big Js take a look at the Wildcats’ first practice in shoulder pads. It was the first time this team had hit each other in months. Many things will change between now and Aug. 30, but there were still a few eye-opening moments.

— Cutter Boley was exceptional. We saw flashes of greatness during his true freshman campaign. After packing on 20 pounds this offseason, he looked so much more comfortable maneuvering in the pocket before delivering dimes downfield. Montavin Quisenberry was his favorite target as the two created one explosive play after another during competitive team periods.

— Quarterbacks had time to throw. Kentucky invested in its offensive line this offseason. The new-look Big Blue Wall held up well in pass protection.

— Safeties make big plays. Zach Calzada operated on time and delivered darts in the short and intermediate game. When he had a lot of time to throw, he got into some trouble, and the safeties made him pay. Jordan Lovett and Ty Bryant created highlights with a couple of red zone interceptions.

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Make plans to visit Angel’s Envy Distillery this football season

Located in the heart of Downtown Louisville, Angel’s Envy Distillery is a must-visit destination for bourbon enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in tours, tastings, and cocktail classes that engage every sense, and learn to refine your palate. Open seven days a week, book your experience now. Disclaimer: Must be 21+. Please drink responsibly. Note: minors are allowed on tours.

Four Enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The NFL Hall of Fame is growing by four. Antonio Gates played for Kent State in the Elite Eight at Rupp Arena, he helped me win my first fantasy football championship, and now he’s a Hall of Famer. The longtime Chargers’ tight end will stand alongside Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe in Canton when the four are enshrined into an exclusive club. The event will air from Noon-3 PM ET on ESPN, FOX, and the NFL Network.

The Reds are Playing at a Racetrack

Baseball has never seen a venue like Bristol Motor Speedway. Approximately 90,000 baseball fans are expected to make the trek to East Tennessee to watch the Cincinnati Reds take on the Atlanta Braves. If you aren’t making the trek, you can watch the action in primetime at 7:15 PM ET on FOX.

COME ON BLUE THAT'S A STRIKE pic.twitter.com/7DXbs1F8za

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 1, 2025

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The Whitney Stakes is a Breeders’ Cup Classic Preview

Journalism and Sovereignty are clearly the best three-year-old horses in America. If all goes according to plan, the rivalry will be reignited in November in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but the older horses could spoil that rivalry. The best of the best are racing in this afternoon’s Whitney Stakes at Saratoga. Fierceness, Sierra Leone, White Abarrio, and Mindframe are a part of the 10-horse field. It’s a great betting race, even for casual horse racing fans, with a post time of 5:41 on FOX.