Kentucky Football Season Preview 2024: Biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more

The Kentucky Wildcats have been one of the more intriguing programs in college football. Last season, they started 5-0 before losing five of their last seven games, including the Gator Bowl against the Clemson Tigers.

The 2024 college football season brings a lot of excitement for the Kentucky Wildcats, with new faces in significant spots for coach Mark Stoops' program. Let's dive deeper into the team and discuss the Kentucky Football season preview 2024.

Kentucky's biggest games in the 2024 season

The Kentucky Wildcats have some tough games, especially on the road. With conference games at three top-15 teams, according to the Preseason AP Poll — Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas — it is going to be difficult to get many wins away from Kroger Field this year.

Their home schedule is not as daunting, but they do have an early season clash against the Georgia Bulldogs as well. Below is the Wildcats' full 2024 schedule.

Kentucky Home Games

• 8/31: vs. Southern Miss
• 9/7: vs. Southern Carolina
• 9/14: vs. Georgia
• 9/21: vs. Ohio
• 10/12: vs. Vanderbilt
• 10/26: vs. Auburn
• 11/16: vs. Murray State
• 11/30: vs. Louisville

Kentucky Road Games

• 9/28: at Ole Miss
• 10/19: at Florida
• 11/2: at Tennessee
• 11/23: at Texas

Key Kentucky players to watch out for in the 2024 season

#1. Brock Vandagriff, QB

The former backup quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs the last few seasons transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats and will be the starting quarterback.

He finished last season as Carson Beck's backup, going just 12-of-18 (66.7 percent) for 165 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and five rushes for 39 yards (7.8 yards per carry). Vandagriff was part of a national championship victory, so he is ready to dominate on the field.

#2. Maxwell Hairston, CB

Cornerback Hairston took a massive leap last season and is hoping to continue improving in 2024. He finished 2023 with 66 total tackles, one forced fumble, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and six pass deflections.

Hairston has shown the ability to step up and defend the pass. With the talents he will be lined up against, having an outstanding defensive back is critical for success, and that is what the Wildcats have here.

#3. D'Eryk Jackson, LB

Linebacker Jackson has been doing well and is looking to dominate even more this season. He finished with 81 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, a pair of interceptions and three pass deflections in the 2023 season.

He plays well in coverage and can be a dominant ballhawk, getting to the ball carrier no matter where they are on the field. Do not be surprised to see him lead the SEC in tackles this season.

Kentucky prediction for the 2024 season

The Kentucky Wildcats have been one of the better teams in the SEC and have difficult games with the Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns and Ole Miss Rebels. However, they should be able to win eight games this season, as they match up solid on paper against Miami-Ohio, Vanderbilt, Florida and Auburn.

Their toughest games are not back-to-back, so they can rebuild momentum heading into those premier matchups. Expect an 8-4 season for the Kentucky Wildcats, as they have some solid talent through recruiting and the NCAA transfer portal.