Macstremity

Again....I’m not football expert, so take this as an average fan’s opinion. But I think Will Stein has a chance to build something special at Kentucky, and the recruiting comparison with Curt Cignetti is encouraging. (I am not suggesting UK will win the title next year...the path through the SEC is brutal) Entering Cignetti’s second season at Indiana, his high school class ranked 46th nationally in the 247Sports Composite, and his transfer class ranked 25th. Stein’s FIRST transfer class at Kentucky ranked 10th nationally, with six four-star transfers compared with three in Cignetti’s second class....before Stein ever coached a game as a head coach. Rankings aren’t guarantees, and class size influences them. But Stein demonstrated he could attract talented transfers before coaching a game at Kentucky. Imagine how much stronger his pitch could be this offseason. When he arrived, he was selling a vision. Now recruits can watch that vision taking shape. They can see his offense, transfers contributing, and a team winning meaningful games.....including in Norman tonight. Kentucky has talented players, but Stein is producing these results before having multiple recruiting cycles to build the roster and depth he wants. That should appeal to players who believe they could help this team take another step. Depth is the problem UK has this season.... and it's showing on the defensive side of the ball. For a strong transfer, Kentucky could offer SEC competition, national exposure and a realistic opportunity to earn significant playing time EARLY. Combine those opportunities with a staff showing it can use players effectively, and that becomes a compelling pitch. The atmosphere matters, too. From the outside, these players seem to love playing for this staff and being around each other. There’s energy and confidence around the program. Recruits will hear directly from those players when they visit, and enthusiastic players can be a coach’s best recruiters. Meanwhile, Stein already has an encouraging group of high school commitments for his first full recruiting cycle. Those commitments still have to become signees, but the foundation was developing before this season’s success strengthened his recruiting message.... Landing Hall would be huge, and its likely to happen..... The next step is keeping the productive core together and adding transfers who address specific weaknesses. That was an important part of Cignetti’s approach: retain good players, find experienced additions who fit, and build on what already works. Kentucky will need competitive financial offers, good evaluations and strong retention. More talent alone doesn’t guarantee improvement....but Stein's staff seems to be really great at evaluating talent....and they seem to be willing to walk away if the price gets to high. And there is gonna be more money coming his way..... But Stein recruited well before he had results here. Now he has results, an appealing team atmosphere, promising high school commitments and opportunities for newcomers to contribute. There’s a credible path from this year’s success to a stronger roster next year..... and that is potentially something Kentucky can sustain.