Louisville, November 30, 2025
The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up their football season with a disappointing 41-0 defeat against the Louisville Cardinals. This loss signifies a challenging year for the Wildcats, who struggled offensively and defensively, finishing with a 5-7 overall record. Coach Mark Stoops remains committed to the program despite scrutiny over recent performances.
Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky Wildcats End Season with 41-0 Loss to Louisville
The Kentucky Wildcats concluded their 2025 football season with a decisive 41-0 defeat to the Louisville Cardinals on November 29, 2025, at L&N Stadium. This loss marked the Wildcats’ second consecutive losing season under head coach Mark Stoops, finishing with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-6 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Season Overview
Throughout the 2025 season, the Wildcats faced significant challenges, culminating in a series of defeats that hindered their postseason aspirations. The offense struggled to find consistency, ranking 118th nationally in passing yards per game, and the defense allowed an average of 402.8 yards per game, a notable increase from the previous season. These performance issues contributed to the team’s inability to secure a bowl game appearance for the second consecutive year.
Coaching Status
Despite the team’s underperformance, Coach Stoops has expressed his commitment to the program. After the loss to Louisville, he addressed speculation about his future with the team, emphasizing his determination to remain with the Wildcats. Stoops, who has been with Kentucky since 2013, signed a contract extension in 2022 that keeps him under contract through 2031, earning approximately $9 million annually. His current buyout is estimated at $38 million, making a coaching change financially challenging for the university.
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats reflect on a challenging season, the focus shifts to rebuilding and addressing the areas of concern that have affected their performance. The program aims to make necessary adjustments to improve both offensively and defensively, with the goal of returning to competitiveness in the SEC in the upcoming seasons.
Background
Under Stoops’ leadership, Kentucky has experienced periods of success, including multiple bowl game appearances and a 10-win season in 2018. However, recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency, leading to increased scrutiny and discussions about the program’s direction. The Wildcats’ rivalry with Louisville, known as the Governor’s Cup, has been particularly challenging, with Kentucky losing the last two matchups by significant margins.
Key Features of the Kentucky Wildcats’ 2025 Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 5-7 |
| SEC Record | 2-6 |
| Head Coach | Mark Stoops |
| Contract Status | Under contract through 2031 with a $38 million buyout |
| Offensive Ranking | 118th nationally in passing yards per game |
| Defensive Ranking | 402.8 yards allowed per game |
| Rivalry Game Result | 41-0 loss to Louisville |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. Louisville game on November 29, 2025?
The Kentucky Wildcats lost to the Louisville Cardinals with a final score of 41-0 on November 29, 2025, at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.
What was Kentucky’s overall record for the 2025 season?
The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-6 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Has Coach Mark Stoops expressed his commitment to the Kentucky football program?
Yes, after the loss to Louisville, Coach Stoops stated, “Zero means zero. Zero percent chance I walk away,” addressing speculation about his future with the team.
What is Coach Stoops’ current contract status?
Coach Stoops signed a contract extension in 2022 that keeps him under contract through 2031, earning approximately $9 million annually. His current buyout is estimated at $38 million.
What are the prospects for the Kentucky football program in the upcoming seasons?
The program aims to rebuild and address areas of concern to improve both offensively and defensively, with the goal of returning to competitiveness in the SEC in the upcoming seasons.
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