Kentucky fans have reason to be optimistic about the Will Stein era after ESPN’s Bill Connelly released his annual ranking of the 30 best coaching hires for the 2025-26 season. The Wildcats’ new head coach, Stein, ranked No. 10 nationally, is recognized for his analytical approach, strong offense and ties to Kentucky, even though he spent most of his career at Louisville.
The highest-ranked hire among his peers in the SEC was LSU’s Lane Kiffin, who was unsurprisingly ranked No. 1 nationally after leaving the University of Mississippi to lead the Tigers. Florida’s Jon Sumrall, who finished fourth, was credited with rebuilding Tulane into an 11-win team with a limited roster. Auburn’s Alex Golesh is ranked No. 12 after quickly improving a previously struggling program, while Mississippi’s Pete Golding is No. 15 after maintaining continuity following Kiffin’s departure. Arkansas’ Ryan Silverfield, the No. 24 overall recruit in the SEC, was recognized for building a competitive roster but was limited by a lack of athletic upside in the league.
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Stein is in the top half of Connally’s rankings, a strong vote of confidence in his ability to compete in the SEC, a conference filled with dynamic programs and high-profile coaches. Connelly praised Stein as the type of achiever who can emulate a high-risk, high-reward coach like Dan Lanning, noting his time running an efficient offense and player development in a high-pressure environment.
As the Wildcats prepare for the 2026 season, fans will be keeping a close eye on Stein’s struggles against SEC opponents. With Kiffin, Sumrall, Golesh, Golding and Silverfield already making waves, the SEC coaching landscape is about to enter a season filled with intrigue, and Stein has the potential to further rise in the national conversation.
