Kentucky Lands Sixth in First College Football Playoff Projection
Kentucky was placed sixth in the first 12-team College Football Playoff projection, released on November 3, 2026. The Wildcats would host No. 11 Notre Dame in Lexington if the bracket held on November 3, 2026.
Kentucky has climbed into the projected College Football Playoff field after winning six games in a row. The Wildcats were ranked sixth among the 12 teams in the first projection, unveiled on November 3, 2026, during a rankings show. Under that bracket, they would host No. 11 Notre Dame at Kroger Field in the opening round.
The run followed a Week 2 loss to Alabama. Since then, Kentucky has earned several wins over teams ranked in the top 10 and two close victories on the road. One of those road wins came after the Wildcats rallied from a 17-point deficit.
Coach Will Stein has credited the team’s daily preparation, the players’ response during the week, and work by the coaching staff. He has also pointed to the roster’s talent while saying that building depth remains a priority as the program progresses.
Stein set out an immediate ambition when he took the job, saying he wanted to win rather than wait years to compete for championships. Kentucky now has four regular-season games remaining as it looks to maintain its place in the projected field. The projection is not a final playoff selection; the ranking show presented the bracket as it stands now.