In the 107 seasons of Kentucky football, only four times have the Kentucky Wildcats been ranked in the preseason AP Top 25. The last time it happened was over 40 years ago as the Wildcats were ranked 15th prior to the 1978 season, but ultimately finished a disappointing 4-6-1 on the season.
In fact, Kentucky football hasn’t had a successful season after being ranked in the preseason Top 25 since 1951. Take a closer look:
- 1978: 15th, 4-6-1 (2-4 SEC), Not Bowl Eligible
- 1957: 20th, 3-7 (1-7 SEC), Not Bowl Eligible
- 1951: 6th, 8-1 (3-3 SEC), Won the Cotton Bowl 20-7 over TCU Horned Frogs
- 1950: 13th, 11-1 (5-1 SEC), Won the Sugar Bowl 13-7 over Oklahoma Sooners, Claimed National Championship
This season, Kentucky football will look to change that.