Will Stein wants Kentucky vs. Louisville rivalry to continue and possibly move to Week 1

New Kentucky Wildcat head coach Will Stein makes remarks as he is introduced at Kentucky on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kentucky Football head coach Will Stein made it clear this week that he wants the rivalry between the Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals to continue, even as the SEC moves toward a nine-game conference schedule while also facing at least one other Power Four team.

Stein mentioned his thoughts during an interview with Michael Bennett of Just The Cats on Tuesday morning.

With SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey pushing for every SEC school to face an additional high-quality opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame each season, some wondered if Kentucky could eventually move away from the annual Governor’s Cup matchup.

Stein quickly shut down that idea.

“There are nine conference games, plus Louisville,” Stein said. “I love the game, why would you not? It’s the home-state rival, it gives people something to cheer about, regardless of what’s happening during the season.”

Stein also revealed he would prefer moving the rivalry earlier in the season instead of its traditional Thanksgiving weekend slot.

“I used to love it when we played it first,” Stein added. “That’s what I would do, I would move it up to the opening weekend or early in the season.”

The rivalry has become one of the state’s biggest annual sporting events since returning in 1994. While Louisville has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 82-14, Kentucky previously won five straight during the Mark Stoops era.

For Stein, preserving the rivalry appears to be a priority as he begins a new chapter leading the Wildcats.

Check out the full interview below.

View Link