Major college football program fails to reach bowl game for second straight year

Kentucky's football season ended without bowl eligibility, marking the second consecutive year the Wildcats have missed out on postseason play. Kentucky joins fellow SEC teams Florida, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, and potentially Auburn in falling short of the required six wins. The Wildcats had a chance to secure bowl eligibility after three consecutive wins, including SEC victories over Florida and Auburn, but suffered a 45-17 loss to Vanderbilt and a 41-0 defeat to Louisville.

Louisville, despite injury challenges, dominated on the ground with 113 rushing yards from walk-on Braxton Jennings and another 101 from a converted wide receiver, highlighting Kentucky's struggles. The Wildcats' offense failed to produce, missing a field goal in the first quarter and never posing a scoring threat.

Under head coach Mark Stoops, Kentucky had achieved eight straight bowl appearances from 2016 to 2023, setting a program record. Stoops, who holds the most wins in Kentucky football history, faces increasing pressure with the team