Mark Stoops believes Kentucky is 'better football team' despite the SEC home losing streak extending

The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Ole Miss Rebels at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, September 6, 2025. © Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Kentucky football program has had numerous long and embarrassing streaks in its history but head coach Mark Stoops has helped eliminate some of those during his tenure. UK recorded the program’s first double-digit win season in four decades and the first ranked finish in three-plus decades back in 2018. The Cats hit those checkmarks again in 2021. This program has kicked down doors under the current dean of SEC head coaches.

But another bad streak has arrived.

Kentucky has not won an SEC home game the Cats knocked off Florida on the last day of September in 2023. UK is 2-12 in their last 14 conference home games and have now lost eight in a row. Four of those losses have been one-score games. That is a streak that could grow even longer when you consider that the next three games in Lexington are against Texas, Tennessee, and Florida.

Stoops was asked about that streak and other fan unrest at his press conference to begin Eastern Michigan week. The 13-year head coach refused to comment directly on the streak but hit on what were two key talkings points throughout the offseason: fan support and an improved football team.

“The environment was great on Saturday,” Stoops said. “I loved the atmosphere and appreciate the fans and the support. It was really fun for the vast majority of that game. I wish we could finish it off.”

“We’re a better football team. This team is working hard and playing very tough. Working to improve.”

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During his early signing period press conference back in December, Stoops vowed that Kentucky would be an improved football team in 2025. The Cats believe they are after some strong work in the transfer portal. Stoops has also thanked the fan base whenever asked about their support. That has not stopped.

The home losing streak is beginning to become a big deal. Mark Stoops has not wanted to address it directly in each of the last two weeks when asked but there is no hiding from it at this point. It will keep becoming a bigger story until Kentucky finally ends it. The next opportunity is over a month away.

Kentucky believes that their 2025 team will win some SEC games. There are seven more opportunities remaining.