mark stoops

“We are excited to bring Eric Wolford back to Kentucky,” Stoops said. “Eric had a big impact in the year he spent with us and has only gained more SEC experience after working with Coach Saban and Alabama the last two seasons. Eric and I go way back and I’m looking forward to having him return to our program.”

Farrier, a junior transfer from UAB, played in 28 career games with the Blazers, recording 28 catches for 377 yards and two touchdowns. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Farrier is expected to bring depth and experience to Kentucky’s receiving corps. Coming out of Franklin County High School in Frankfort, Kentucky, Farrier was considered a three-star prospect and played both receiver and defensive back in high school.

Hood will play a key role in helping student-athletes succeed in personal, academic, and athletic development through UK’s “40 for 40” program. He will also work alongside Eddie Gran, special assistant to the head coach, in areas such as NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and player branding, as well as community service opportunities.

Head coach Mark Stoops expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in such a prestigious bowl game. He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, but emphasized his team’s readiness. “We’re excited to be here. We understand we have a tremendous challenge in front of us with Clemson, but our team is preparing well,” said Stoops.

Stoops expressed his satisfaction with the class, noting the hard work and dedication that went into assembling it. He emphasized the balance between high school recruits and transfer portal additions, highlighting the team’s ability to address immediate needs while also considering long-term development.

Shorts, who is 29 years old, joins the Wildcats after spending three seasons as the wide receivers coach for the Houston Cougars under Dana Holgorsen. He also served as the Director of Player Development for the Cougars for two years. Shorts expressed his excitement about joining the Big Blue Nation and the opportunity to work under Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen. He acknowledged their accomplishments at Kentucky and in the Southeastern Conference and expressed his desire to contribute to their continued success.

The press conference, which will be streamed live for all to see, serves as a platform for Stoops to directly communicate with the public and offer his perspective on the team’s progress. It is a chance for him to shed light on the strategies being employed in practice and discuss any adjustments being made to the game plan.

Stoops led Kentucky to a 38-31 win over the No. 9 Louisville Cardinals on the road last Saturday, which is the highest-ranked win in his tenure. This victory also extended Stoops’ school records for most wins (73) and most wins against ranked opponents (13). It marks the fourth consecutive season that Stoops’ squad has defeated two ranked opponents. The Wildcats also earned the title of Cheez-It National Team of the Week for their outstanding performance.

The show broadcasts in Lexington on WLAP-630 and can also be streamed online at UKathletics.com. In addition, UK Sports Network affiliates throughout Kentucky will also air the show, ensuring that fans across the state can tune in. For those who prefer a visual experience, a live video stream of the show will be available on UKathletics.com as well as on the official Facebook page of Kentucky football.

Stoops acknowledged the tough stretch his team has faced, being the only team in the country to play four straight opponents ranked in the top 10. Despite the adversity, the Wildcats were able to pick themselves back up and finish strong. Stoops praised his team’s resilience and their ability to come together as a unit.