After a breakout season in which Kentucky contended for the SEC East title and appeared in the AP Top 25 for the first time in more than a decade, the Associated Press gave the Wildcats due recognition.

Mark Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year, while linebacker Josh Allen was voted the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, the AP announced Monday. They joined Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Offensive Player of the Year) and Vanderbilt running back Ke’Shawn Vaugh (Newcomer of the Year) as those earning SEC superlatives from the media.

Stoops led No. 14 Kentucky to nine wins — which included a streak-snapping victory against Florida — for the first time since 1984. Allen also had a hand in the Wildcats success, ranking near the top nationally in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.

Tagovailoa has been one of college football’s best players all year long, and many consider the No. 1 Crimson Tide’s star player the Heisman Trophy favorite. The Commodores’ Vaughn, an Illinois transfer, has the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the SEC.