Kentucky names captains for Week 1 vs. Youngstown State
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Kentucky will begin the 2026 season with a home game against Youngstown State. This will also be the debut of new Wildcats head coach Will Stein, who arrives after most recently serving as Oregon’s offensive coordinator.
Stein has now named his captains for the season opener vs. the Penguins. The recognition is going to senior running back CJ Baxter, senior linebacker Grant Godfrey, senior defensive lineman Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, and junior tight end Willie Rodriguez.
The 6-foot-1 Baxter is in his first season at Kentucky and rushed for 196 yards last season for Texas. In the 2023 season, Baxter tallied 5 rushing touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry.
The 6-foot-3 Godfrey is entering his third season with the Wildcats, as he recorded 34 total tackles in 2025. The 6-foot-4 Humphrey-Grace began at South Dakota before transferring to Kentucky last season. Humphrey-Grace had 31 total tackles with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2025.
The 6-foot-4 Kentucky native Rodriguez has been on the Wildcats since 2024. Rodriguez took a step forward in production last season with 23 receptions for 310 yards and a touchdown.
Kentucky vs. Youngstown State is set for Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on SEC Network+
