The Kentucky Wildcats debuted at No. 6 in the 2026 College Football Playoff rankings. When Tuesday’s update is revealed, they’re going to be much closer to the cut line because of their 34-6 loss against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Will Stein’s team, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, has a 36.5% chance to reach the CFP. In reporter Heather Dinich’s estimation, they’re the last of five SEC teams in the field, but are squarely on the bubble the rest of the way.
The Wildcats’ chances of reaching the SEC title game took a big hit after Saturday’s loss to Tennessee, but Kentucky is still ranked in the top six in ESPN’s strength of schedule and strength of record metrics,” Dinich wrote. “Wins against South Carolina, LSU and Oklahoma are keeping Kentucky in the conversation for now… [the Wildcats] can’t afford for a third loss.
Dinich gave Kentucky the No. 10 spot in her bracket, making the Wildcats the penultimate at-large team. Will Stein and Co. must beat Florida, Missouri and Louisville to end the season if it wants to preserve its spot in the dance. The Gators, with former UK assistant coach Jon Sumrall, stroll into Lexington on Saturday evening (6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).
RELATED: Interested in BetMGM? Sign up with this BetMGM bonus code first.
