Kentucky Spring Game Returns on April 18

New head coach Will Stein to lead first spring practice for Wildcats

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Kentucky Wildcats football team will host their annual spring game on Saturday, April 18, marking the start of the Will Stein era in Lexington. Stein, who was hired as the new head coach in December, emphasized the importance of players getting on the field and competing as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The spring game will give fans an early look at Stein's first Kentucky squad and how he plans to build the program. With stadium renovations ongoing at Kroger Field, the spring game will be one of the few opportunities for the Big Blue Nation to see the team in action before the fall season.

The details

Stein said the spring practices and spring game will be crucial for the team to get "bigger, faster, stronger" and become "tough to beat" in the SEC. The Wildcats are coming off a disappointing 2025 season and will look to bounce back under their new head coach.

  • The spring game will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Spring practice for the Kentucky football team will begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Will Stein

The new head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats football team, hired in December 2025.

Kentucky Wildcats

The football team of the University of Kentucky, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

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What they’re saying

“You know the best way to get better at football is? Play football. This isn't like basketball. You can't just go play five-on-five hoops out in the backyard. You got to put the pads on, you got to hit, you got to tackle. That's how you get better. That's how you become tough to win games on the road in the SEC, you got to play football, and that's what we'll do through spring.”

— Will Stein, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Kentucky football team will continue their offseason conditioning program before beginning spring practice in the coming weeks, leading up to the spring game on April 18.

The takeaway

The return of the Kentucky spring game marks an exciting new chapter for the Wildcats under head coach Will Stein, who is focused on building a tough, physical team that can compete in the SEC. Fans will get an early glimpse of Stein's vision for the program as the team takes the field for the first time in 2026.