Jon Hale
@jonhalehl.bsky.social
Kentucky football reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Florida confirms the hire of former UK LB and assistant coach Jon Sumrall as its new coach.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
November 30, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Florida confirms the hire of former UK LB and assistant coach Jon Sumrall as its new coach.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
That means if Kentucky does make a coaching change the logical top target is already off the board. Sumrall will play his alma mater in Lexington next season. UK and Florida are annual opponents now.
While we wait for any news on Mark Stoops' status, here's a look at where the UK football roster stands entering the offseason.
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Breaking down UK football’s roster as the Wildcats ponder Mark Stoops’ future
A position-by-position look at where the UK football roster stands heading into the offseason.
www.kentucky.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
While we wait for any news on Mark Stoops' status, here's a look at where the UK football roster stands entering the offseason.
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whoever the coach is next year has work to do to lock down the young nucleus and fill several holes. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: If there is a coaching change for UK football, it will not be because Mark Stoops walked away.
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Stoops reiterates there is ‘zero’ chance he walks away from Kentucky
Mark Stoops remained adamant he has a path to rebuilding Kentucky after a disappointing end to the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
NEW: If there is a coaching change for UK football, it will not be because Mark Stoops walked away.
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Injured UK CBs DJ Waller and Terhyon Nichols and LB Alex Afari are participating in warmups before the Governors' Cup game.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
November 29, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Injured UK CBs DJ Waller and Terhyon Nichols and LB Alex Afari are participating in warmups before the Governors' Cup game.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
Of course, DJ Waller's injury saga has taught us participating in warmups does not necessarily mean injured players will make it to the game healthy.
NEW: Kentucky's 2026 recruiting class is ranked about 40 spots lower than most of Mark Stoops' previous classes.
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Why Mark Stoops is not worried about UK football’s 2026 recruiting class ranking
The 2026 class would be the lowest-ranked of Mark Stoops’ tenure at Kentucky by more than 20 spots.
www.kentucky.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 PM
NEW: Kentucky's 2026 recruiting class is ranked about 40 spots lower than most of Mark Stoops' previous classes.
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But UK's coach says we shouldn't make much of that ranking. Here's why. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Mark Stoops dismissed the idea of added motivation for UK because of Vince Marrow's defection to Louisville.
But Marrow himself was never shy about creating rivalry headlines. Here's a look at some of his greatest hits about his new employer. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But Marrow himself was never shy about creating rivalry headlines. Here's a look at some of his greatest hits about his new employer. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Revisiting Vince Marrow’s previous shots at Louisville ahead of Governor’s Cup
Vince Marrow was never shy about playing to the Louisville rivalry as a Kentucky assistant. He’ll coach against the Wildcats Saturday.
www.kentucky.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:36 PM
NEW: Mark Stoops dismissed the idea of added motivation for UK because of Vince Marrow's defection to Louisville.
But Marrow himself was never shy about creating rivalry headlines. Here's a look at some of his greatest hits about his new employer. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But Marrow himself was never shy about creating rivalry headlines. Here's a look at some of his greatest hits about his new employer. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: How much does the Governor's Cup actually mean for Mark Stoops' status at UK? That and more in the final Monday UK football mailbag of the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football mailbag: What’s the timing for a decision on Stoops’ coaching future?
UK football beat reporter Jon Hale answers fans questions about Mark Stoops and more after the Vanderbilt loss.
www.kentucky.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:59 PM
NEW: How much does the Governor's Cup actually mean for Mark Stoops' status at UK? That and more in the final Monday UK football mailbag of the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What UK football questions, comments and takeaways do you have before the Governor’s Cup rivalry? I’ll use them for the final Monday mailbag of the season.
November 23, 2025 at 12:51 PM
What UK football questions, comments and takeaways do you have before the Governor’s Cup rivalry? I’ll use them for the final Monday mailbag of the season.
NEW: UK has trailed by 40 in a game just five times in Mark Stoops tenure. The others were Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
Losing to Vanderbilt like that feels different. This might be the most worrying development for Stoops yet.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Losing to Vanderbilt like that feels different. This might be the most worrying development for Stoops yet.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Vanderbilt blowout might be most worrying sign yet about state of UK football
UK fired its coach one day after its last blowout loss to Vanderbilt. Now Mark Stoops has one more chance to salvage the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:58 AM
NEW: UK has trailed by 40 in a game just five times in Mark Stoops tenure. The others were Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
Losing to Vanderbilt like that feels different. This might be the most worrying development for Stoops yet.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Losing to Vanderbilt like that feels different. This might be the most worrying development for Stoops yet.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, that happened. What are your questions, comments, takeaways from Kentucky's 45-17 loss at Vanderbilt?
I'll use them for the last Monday UK football mailbag of the season.
I'll use them for the last Monday UK football mailbag of the season.
November 23, 2025 at 1:41 AM
So, that happened. What are your questions, comments, takeaways from Kentucky's 45-17 loss at Vanderbilt?
I'll use them for the last Monday UK football mailbag of the season.
I'll use them for the last Monday UK football mailbag of the season.
Press box discussion: Is what Diego Pavia did today (32 for 38 for 469 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 15 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD) or Peyton Manning's 1997 game (25 for 35, 523 yards, 5 TD) the best single-game performance vs. UK?
Any other game that should be in the discussion?
Any other game that should be in the discussion?
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Press box discussion: Is what Diego Pavia did today (32 for 38 for 469 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 15 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD) or Peyton Manning's 1997 game (25 for 35, 523 yards, 5 TD) the best single-game performance vs. UK?
Any other game that should be in the discussion?
Any other game that should be in the discussion?
Kentucky is 0-47 when trailing by more than 14 at any point in a game in the Mark Stoops era.
Cats down 17-0 to Vanderbilt with 4:35 left in the first half.
Cats down 17-0 to Vanderbilt with 4:35 left in the first half.
November 22, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Kentucky is 0-47 when trailing by more than 14 at any point in a game in the Mark Stoops era.
Cats down 17-0 to Vanderbilt with 4:35 left in the first half.
Cats down 17-0 to Vanderbilt with 4:35 left in the first half.
UK will have to slow Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt without three of its top four cornerbacks today. Two other defensive starters are listed as game-time decisions www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt prediction: Can Wildcats reach bowl eligibility with upset?
Herald-Leader UK football reporter Jon Hale provides his final thoughts and prediction for UK versus Vanderbilt.
www.kentucky.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:08 PM
UK will have to slow Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt without three of its top four cornerbacks today. Two other defensive starters are listed as game-time decisions www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Five games ago Kentucky football's offense looked hopeless, but schematic shifts, more aggressive play-calling and Cutter Boley's breakout have given the Wildcats life.
A deeper look at the changes that turned around the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A deeper look at the changes that turned around the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How Bush Hamdan, Mark Stoops and Cutter Boley revamped UK football’s offense
A dramatic shift in the offensive game plan has helped Kentucky football salvage its season.
www.kentucky.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:19 PM
NEW: Five games ago Kentucky football's offense looked hopeless, but schematic shifts, more aggressive play-calling and Cutter Boley's breakout have given the Wildcats life.
A deeper look at the changes that turned around the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A deeper look at the changes that turned around the season. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Vanderbilt's success this season has led to plenty of questions about why Kentucky couldn't have a similar run. The answer might be Mark Stoops already did.
Or it might be proof of how UK still has to adapt to new landscape. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Or it might be proof of how UK still has to adapt to new landscape. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What Vanderbilt’s breakout says about potential for Kentucky football in new era
Vanderbilt’s success this season has been used by some as an argument for changes at Kentucky.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM
NEW: Vanderbilt's success this season has led to plenty of questions about why Kentucky couldn't have a similar run. The answer might be Mark Stoops already did.
Or it might be proof of how UK still has to adapt to new landscape. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Or it might be proof of how UK still has to adapt to new landscape. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Twice DJ Waller has looked on the verge of a return only to suffer a setback before a game. Now, one of his replacements is considering a redshirt. Another is still hurt.
So, how does UK manage the CB rotation for two games with bowl eligibility on the line? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, how does UK manage the CB rotation for two games with bowl eligibility on the line? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Season-long injury woes, new redshirt decisions add intrigue for UK defense
One position on UK’s roster has been plagued by injuries throughout the year. Now the outlook is hazy for the final two games.
www.kentucky.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
NEW: Twice DJ Waller has looked on the verge of a return only to suffer a setback before a game. Now, one of his replacements is considering a redshirt. Another is still hurt.
So, how does UK manage the CB rotation for two games with bowl eligibility on the line? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, how does UK manage the CB rotation for two games with bowl eligibility on the line? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Another blowout win has more submissions in the weekly UK football mailbag wondering about a future with Mark Stoops as coach in 2026.
What's the effect on recruiting? What does the QB depth chart look like moving forward? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What's the effect on recruiting? What does the QB depth chart look like moving forward? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football mailbag: How will the 2026 recruiting class impact a coaching decision?
Herald-Leader UK football beat reporter Jon Hale answers fans’ questions after the Tennessee Tech win.
www.kentucky.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
NEW: Another blowout win has more submissions in the weekly UK football mailbag wondering about a future with Mark Stoops as coach in 2026.
What's the effect on recruiting? What does the QB depth chart look like moving forward? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What's the effect on recruiting? What does the QB depth chart look like moving forward? www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Jon Hale
Kentucky took care of business against Tennessee Tech and now needs just one win for a bowl.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
November 15, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Kentucky took care of business against Tennessee Tech and now needs just one win for a bowl.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
NEW: Cutter Boley’s TD run might not have been the wisest choice, but it cemented his status as the face of the program.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Cutter Boley didn’t make the smart choice, but he made a statement with TD run
The highlight of Kentucky’s blowout of Tennessee Tech was a touchdown run from Cutter Boley.
www.kentucky.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
NEW: Cutter Boley’s TD run might not have been the wisest choice, but it cemented his status as the face of the program.
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky took care of business against Tennessee Tech and now needs just one win for a bowl.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
November 15, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Kentucky took care of business against Tennessee Tech and now needs just one win for a bowl.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
What are you questions, comments, takeaways from the game? I’ll use them for the Monday UK football mailbag.
Kentucky football down four week one starters on defense today: OLB Sam Greene, ILB Alex Afari, S Jordan Lovett, CB DJ Waller.
November 15, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Kentucky football down four week one starters on defense today: OLB Sam Greene, ILB Alex Afari, S Jordan Lovett, CB DJ Waller.
NEW: Kentucky will likely be without three normal defensive starters this weekend.
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
These three Kentucky football defenders could be key to bowl push after injuries
Get to know three young defenders who could be key in Kentucky’s push for bowl eligibility.
www.kentucky.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:37 PM
NEW: Kentucky will likely be without three normal defensive starters this weekend.
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Meet the three defenders who will be key in filling those gaps down the stretch if UK is to reach a bowl game. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: A bowl game is suddenly in reach for UK football again. Here’s a rundown of the most likely options if the Wildcats get to six wins. bit.ly/4p4ajlB
A bowl game is in reach for Kentucky football again. Here are the options
Breaking down the possible postseason destinations if Kentucky football reaches bowl eligibility.
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 12:04 PM
NEW: A bowl game is suddenly in reach for UK football again. Here’s a rundown of the most likely options if the Wildcats get to six wins. bit.ly/4p4ajlB
Reposted by Jon Hale
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball at Louisville: Follow live stats, news updates from Yum Center
Follow Kentucky at Louisville basketball with Herald-Leader staff on site
www.kentucky.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 AM
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: I asked Mitch Barnhart this morning about the emotion after last two UK football wins, progress from the team and what it means for Mark Stoops' future. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After back-to-back wins, Mitch Barnhart pleased with progress from UK football
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart explained the emotion on display after back-to-back UK football wins.
www.kentucky.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
NEW: I asked Mitch Barnhart this morning about the emotion after last two UK football wins, progress from the team and what it means for Mark Stoops' future. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...