
The wait is over football returns to the Bluegrass. Kentucky begins its 2025 campaign this afternoon at Kroger Field, squaring off against Toledo in the season opener. Kickoff is set for 12:45 PM ET on the SEC Network, marking the official start of Wildcat football once again.
It’s been 273 days since Kentucky last played at Kroger Field, a painful finale where Louisville dominated to close out a frustrating 4-8 season. That loss has lingered, but today brings a chance for redemption. The Wildcats now have the opportunity to reset, refocus, and open a new chapter with a clean slate.
Mark Stoops enters his 13th year at the helm with a retooled roster, bolstered by a wave of transfer portal additions across both the line and skill positions. Offensively, seventh-year senior quarterback Zach Calzada will steer the unit, supported by a strong backfield tandem of Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan.
“I’m excited about those guys. They’re tough, physical runners with speed, and I can’t wait to see them in action,” Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada said earlier this week. His confidence reflects the intrigue surrounding the Wildcats’ new-look offense.
Still, the Wildcats can’t get lost in the buzz of fresh faces. Toledo enters as the MAC favorite after upsetting a pair of Power Conference teams last season, and they return a familiar name in former Ohio State and Arizona State back Chip Trayanum. Nothing will be handed to Kentucky if they want to reset the program’s trajectory, they must be ready to deliver from the opening kickoff.
Kentucky vs. Toledo: How To Watch, Listen
Kickoff: 12:45 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network (Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Alyssa Lang)
Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, Dick Gabriel)
AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
FM: 98.1 WBUL
Online: iHeart Radio
Sirius XM: 106 or 190
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
You can also keep up with the game and chat with other fans on our game thread on KSBoard, with Nick Roush, Adam Luckett, and Drew Franklin providing updates from Kroger Field.
Saturday Gameday Schedule
8:30 am — The KSR Pregame Show
9:00 — Doors Open at KSBar and Grille
9:30 — LexTran Shuttles Begin Moving
10:30 — Cat Walk
12:45 pm — Kickoff on SEC Network
Set in the heart of Downtown Louisville, Angel’s Envy Distillery offers a can’t-miss experience for bourbon lovers. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and cocktail classes designed to engage the senses while refining their palate. Open daily, reservations are available for an unforgettable visit.
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