Kentucky Football Embraces Depth Chart Fluidity in Spring

Offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich sees benefits in mixing up the offensive line groups during practices

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Kentucky football's Spring program has been defined by a lack of a traditional depth chart, with head coach Will Stein explaining the team has "blue and white squads that are intertwined" rather than set starters and backups. Offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich is fully on board with this strategy, believing it will help players communicate better and develop versatility across different positions. Several players, including center Coleton Price, have echoed Leftwich's sentiment that the approach will pay dividends when the regular season arrives.

Why it matters

Kentucky's unconventional depth chart approach during Spring practice is aimed at maximizing player development and building cohesion across the offensive line. By forcing players to work with different teammates, the coaching staff hopes to improve communication and create more flexibility in their lineup. This strategy could prove crucial when the Wildcats face tough opponents like Alabama and Texas A&M early in the season.

The details

Kentucky's offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich explained that the lack of a traditional depth chart allows players to "play different positions" and "step out of their comfort zone." This forces the linemen to communicate better and understand how to work with a variety of teammates. The goal is to ultimately find the "five best guys" to form the starting offensive line, regardless of their previous positions. Leftwich believes this approach will pay off by creating a more cohesive "Big Blue Wall" when the regular season begins.

  • Kentucky's Spring practices are currently underway.
  • The Wildcats open the 2026 season on September 5th against Youngstown State.
  • Kentucky faces Alabama on September 12th and travels to Texas A&M on September 19th.

The players

Will Stein

Head coach of the Kentucky football team who explained the team's lack of a traditional depth chart during Spring practice.

Cutter Leftwich

Kentucky's offensive line coach who is fully supportive of the team's depth chart fluidity strategy and believes it will benefit player development and communication.

Coleton Price

Kentucky's starting center who agrees the depth chart approach will help the offensive line become more familiar with different teammates and playing styles.

Lance Heard

A Kentucky player who understands the benefits of the depth chart fluidity in allowing the coaching staff to evaluate different lineup combinations.

Olaus Alinen

A Kentucky offensive lineman who has experience playing multiple positions and recognizes the challenge the depth chart fluidity presents to all players.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have a depth chart. We have blue and white squad that's intertwined. There's not a ones, twos, threes at all.”

— Will Stein, Head Coach

“I think it's a really good thing because I think you get different people playing next to different people, testing people's communication. Somebody might play really good next to somebody, but that communication might be better playing next to somebody else.”

— Cutter Leftwich, Offensive Line Coach

“You got to know your players. You got some guys that have longer arms, some guys that are stronger than others. Some guys have faster feet. It all comes into play, but I would say we all play to the same standard. It shouldn't be any different (regardless of who is next to you).”

— Coleton Price, Center

What’s next

The Wildcats' offensive line will be put to the test early in the season when they face Alabama on September 12th and travel to Texas A&M on September 19th. How well the 'Big Blue Wall' performs in those games will be a key indicator of whether Kentucky's depth chart fluidity strategy during Spring practice paid off.

The takeaway

Kentucky's unconventional approach to its offensive line depth chart during Spring practice reflects a forward-thinking strategy aimed at maximizing player development and building a cohesive unit. By forcing players to work with different teammates, the coaching staff hopes to improve communication and create more flexibility in their lineup - a crucial asset when facing top opponents early in the season.