Will Stein Named Dodd Trophy National Coach of the Week
ATLANTA – Kentucky football coach Will Stein garnered Dodd Trophy National Coach of the Week honors on Monday following UK’s 31-21 upset win at No. 9/8 Texas A&M.
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
After trailing 7-0 with two minutes to play in the first half, Kentucky exploded for 28 unanswered points to take a three-score lead into the fourth quarter. A pair of fourth quarter scores narrowed the gap for the Aggies, but the Wildcat defense held on to secure the biggest win of Stein’s young career. Quarterback Kenny Minchey led the way for the Wildcats with 252 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 14-of-18 passing.
Running back CJ Baxter Jr. paced the rushing attack, tallying 87 yards on 19 carries and hitting paydirt twice during the 28-0 Kentucky run. Receiver DJ Miller was Minchey’s top target, hauling in five receptions for 96 yards.
Kentucky won the turnover battle 2-0, never turning the ball over on offense and securing two key interceptions on defense.
“Coach Stein has announced his arrival to the head coaching ranks in impressive fashion,” said Chairman of the Boddy Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. “In a conference full of strong teams, his program looks ready to compete with the very best. We look forward to following the team’s success in his first season and beyond.”
Kentucky’s upset of No. 9 Texas A&M marked the program’s highest ranked victory since toppling No. 6 Ole Miss on the road in 2024.
“Taking over a program like Kentucky is no small task,” said Peach Bowl, Inc. President and CEO David Epps. “Coach Stein has stepped into a challenging role and showed incredible poise. The development of his program and his players is something we will continue to watch intently.”
Stein became the first head coach in Kentucky history to win a true road game against an Associated Press Top 10 opponent. It also marks his first road win, his first Southeastern Conference win and his first win over any ranked opponent. In the process, Stein extended UK’s streak of 12 consecutive seasons that the Wildcats have had at least one on-field SEC road win.
Kentucky returns to action Saturday at Kroger Field as the Wildcats play host to South Alabama. Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on SEC Network.
