Kentucky vs. South Alabama viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions

Following one of the program’s best wins in recent memory, Kentucky Football is back home this week to welcome the South Alabama Jaguars to Lexington. The game will kick off at 12:45 PM ET on SEC Network, with Kentucky favored by three touchdowns to get the W and start the season 3-1.

The last time Kentucky played at Kroger Field, Big Blue Nation showed up in an incredible way, and the play on the field matched that… for one half. At the break vs. Alabama, Will Stein found his Wildcats up 17-13 before a second half that left a lot to be desired, ultimately falling to the Crimson Tide in Lexington, 45-17.

Following that game, Kentucky traveled to College Station to play No. 9 Texas A&M at Kyle Field. Kentucky entered the matchup as a three-score underdog to the Aggies, but all three phases of Kentucky showed up from start to finish. The defense forced numerous turnovers on downs and two interceptions, and wreaked havoc on the Aggies’ offense.

Kenny Minchey showed a glimpse of how good he can be under Stein and Joe Sloan, finishing the game with 11-straight completions and every one of his nine second-half passes en route to a 31-21 win over a top-10 team in a game that frankly wasn’t even that close.

Kentucky moved the ball masterfully throughout the game, totaling 408 yards of offense: 252 through the air and 156 on the ground. Leaving that game against the Aggies with the offense clicking like that, this team should have no trouble moving the ball against South Alabama if the Cats bring their A game.

South Alabama, coached by Major Applewhite, comes in with a 2-1 record, including a 39-14 win over Southeast Louisiana, a 41-36 win over Ohio, and a close 41-36 loss to Tulane. This will be the first time in program history that Kentucky will face off against the Jaguars.

Now in his third year at the helm at South Alabama, Applewhite has a 13-15 record as head coach of the Jaguars and a 28-26 record in his head-coaching career, including his three years as head coach of Houston from 2016 to 2018.

If you are attending the game, the theme is Stadium Split. Find your section and learn what color you are supposed to wear!

Key players to watch for

Quarterbacks

In South Alabama’s first two games of the season, Bishop Davenport was the starting quarterback, but in the third game, Jared Hollins was the leader of the offense. The reason Hollins took over in the third contest for the Jaguars was due to a “minor Injury”.

Bishop Davenport — 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Senior

In his first two games, Davenport threw for 450 yards and 73 rushing yards, with three touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. Last year, as the Jaguars’ starter, he threw for over 2,000 yards and 325 yards on the ground, with 21 total touchdowns.

Jared Hollins — 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Junior

Hollins went 13/20 for 192 yards and a touchdown in his season debut for the Jaguars, leading them to a 41-36 victory over Ohio. As of now, nobody is certain who will start for South Alabama this Saturday, but Coach Applewhite has two strong options at quarterback.

Running Backs

Keenan Phillips — 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Junior

The Jaguars’ leading rusher has 226 yards on the year with one touchdown. Phillips is coming off a season at South Alabama in which he had just over 600 yards and three scores.

PJ Martin — 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Senior

Martin is Phillips’ partner in crime in the backfield, racking up 222 yards and three scores in three games so far for the Jaguars.

Trae’von Dunbar — 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Junior

South Alabama truly has a three-headed backfield, and Dunbar is the third and final back that gets the ball a good amount. He has 23 carries for 127 yards and three touchdowns.

Wide Receivers

Brendan Jenkins — 6’0, 195 yards, Senior

The leader in receptions and yards for the Jaguars is Brendan Jenkins. 15 catches and 202 yards with two touchdowns make him a go-to target for the South Alabama quarterbacks.

Outside of Jenkins, they only have two other receivers and one tight end with a reception this year, but nobody is even close to Jenkins in yards or receptions. A run-heavy offense will make its way to Kroger Field on Saturday.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Alabama Jaguars

Game Time: 12:45 PM EST on September 26, 2026

Location: Kroger Field in Lexington, KY

TV Channel: SEC Network

Announcers: Dave Neal (Play-by-Play), Cole Cubelic (Analyst)

Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app

Radio: Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Network.

Satellite Radio: XM Channel 203, Sirius Channel 98, Internet Channel 966

Replay: ESPN+ and SEC Network (check local listings)

Rosters: Kentucky | South Alabama

Stats to Know: Kentucky | South Alabama

Weather.com Forecast: Sunny with a high of 75 and a slight breeze of 5-10 mph with no precipitation.

Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has Kentucky listed as a 20.5-point favorite, with a point total of 54.5. ESPN gives Kentucky a 90.4% chance to beat South Alabama.

Predictions: Dimers.com is predicting Kentucky to win the game, 38-17. DRatings has the Cats winning 32-19. The Wildcats will look to keep the vibes high and secure another victory in this one, and I think that will happen. Give me a 41-17 victory, Kentucky!