Kentucky has not cracked the preseason AP Top 25 Poll since 1978. That’s… a while. That should tell you what it means for Mark Stoops’ squad to come in at No. 20 in this season’s iteration.

The Wildcats, even despite John Calipari’s comments, are relevant in football in 2022. They have a solid quarterback in Will Levis, one of the top running backs in the SEC in Chris Rodriguez and a strong group of returning linebackers. Despite this, they also have plenty of concerns.

In ESPN’s preseason power ranking, writer Chris Low named the Wildcats’ biggest question mark heading into the 2022 season.

“The Wildcats have to find a way to be more consistent in defending the pass, and that’s not all on the secondary, either. Several defensive back contributors from a year ago are gone, and emerging talent Vito Tisdale also suffered a season-ending injury in the spring.”

The Wildcats return a few solid starters from last season in senior Tyrell Ajian and Carrington Valentine.