When SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic released his 2020 SEC power rankings on Saturday, many were surprised to see Kentucky at No. 5.

That put the Wildcats ahead of teams like Auburn, Tennessee and Texas A&M. All of those teams have high expectations for this fall.

So, what makes Cubelic so high on Kentucky? He explained his ranking to Rivals.com:

“I believe UK will have a physical advantage versus most opponents based on how this offseason has gone,” Cubelic said. “Plenty of weapons in the backfield and a vastly underrated front seven that allowed the Cats to finish fourth in pass defense nationally last year.”

Having an experienced quarterback in Terry Wilson return, along with stability in the coaching ranks under Mark Stoops, will work in the Wildcats’ favor.

Will they live up to Cubelic’s ranking? We’ll find out this fall!