The Kentucky Wildcats have become a solid program under Mark Stoops, who has led them to back-to-back strong seasons.

Still, entering the 2020 season, they’re not listed on many preseason top 25 rankings, mostly due to the loss of WR-turned-QB Lynn Bowden Jr.

However, CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd listed the Wildcats as one of six teams outside the top 25 that could be ranked by the end of the year. Here’s what he said about Kentucky:

The Wildcats are a well-kept secret within their own conference. Seventeen starters return from an eight-win team. Mark Stoops pulled off one of his best coaching jobs in succeeding with wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. at quarterback. The guy he replaced, Terry Wilson, returns from injury. Watch the Cats. The last time they won 18 games in two seasons was 1976-77.

Will Kentucky continue to be a strong SEC East presence in 2020? We’ll find out this fall.