Kentucky Wildcats - 2022 College Football Season Preview & Wins Total Prediction

The Kentucky Wildcats were 10-3 overall and 5-3 in the SEC last season. Odds makers have given Kentucky a wins total projection of 8.5. Mark Stoops returns for his tenth year as the Kentucky head coach with an overall record of 59-53. Kentucky has won 10 games in two of its last four seasons and is expected to be competitive once again this season.

Five starters from Kentucky's offense return. Will Levis will return as the starting quarterback for Kentucky. Levis threw 24 touchdown passes and ran for another nine TDs. Chris Rodriquez is back to lead the running game for Kentucky. Last season Rodriguez rushed for 1,379 yards with nine touchdowns. The offensive line lost a pair of NFL caliber players at tackle but Kentucky added guard Tashawn Manning via the transfer portal to help Kenneth Horsey.

Kentucky's receivers’ corps no longer include Wan’Dale Robinson who is now with the New York Giants. However, Demarcus Harris returns to give the Wildcats a sure-handed receiver and much experience. Kentucky added Tayvion Robinson on a transfer from Virginia Tech, while Javon Baker left Alabama to join the Wildcats and gives Kentucky another talented wideout. 

Last season Kentucky's defense gave up 340 yards per game with its strength against the run, However, several players are no longer with the team. Josh Paschal is gone, but JJ Weaver, who led Kentucky in sacks last season, returns at linebacker. Justin Rogers and Octavious Oxendine give Kentucky two strong interior players on the defensive line.

Jacquez Jones is also back and last season made 85 tackles. Veteran linebacker De’Andre Square gives Kentucky much-needed experience on the outside, which helps make the linebacker corps the strength of the defense.  The Kentucky secondary will be led by cornerback Carrington Valentine who made 61 tackles last season. Cedric Dort is gone to Wisconsin but Tyrell Ajian is a talented safety.