Good morning, Big Blue Nation! Kentucky football’s preparations for South Carolina are rolling on as we inch closer to Saturday’s first road test of the season. Following Wednesday’s practice, defensive coordinator Brad White spoke on the challenge ahead, particularly with Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers at the helm.
White praised Sellers’ poise and leadership, pointing out his ability to control tempo and execute in pressure situations. “The way he commands the two-minute drill. He doesn’t get flustered. He seems very composed, in control of what he wants to get done,” White said. “We’ve got our hands full.”
Indeed, Coach White faces a real challenge. While South Carolina has lost back-to-back SEC matchups, quarterback LaNorris Sellers continues to shine. In last week’s setback against ranked Missouri, he completed 18-of-28 passes for 302 yards and two scores. His mobility adds another layer, though protection from the offensive line remains key.
Brad White offered deeper insight into LaNorris Sellers and the overall South Carolina offense, praising the quarterback’s poise and versatility while noting the challenges his skill set presents. With kickoff in Columbia quickly approaching, his full breakdown sets the tone for Kentucky’s final preparations before Saturday’s showdown.
Kentucky released its first Availability Report of the week on Wednesday, offering a glimpse into the team’s health heading into Saturday’s matchup at South Carolina. For the most part, the Wildcats are in good shape, but starting cornerback DJ Waller Jr. remains doubtful and may miss a third consecutive contest, leaving an already thin secondary shorthanded.
There is some positive news, though. Cornerback Terhyon Nichols, wide receiver Troy Stellato, and defensive tackle Josiah Hayes are all expected to return after sitting out or being limited in last week’s win over Eastern Michigan, giving Kentucky reinforcements at key positions before hitting the road.
South Carolina also has injury concerns of its own. Starting right tackle Cason Henry, considered the Gamecocks’ top offensive lineman, is in danger of missing a second straight SEC contest. Shane Beamer’s team is dealing with several bumps and bruises, with three more availability updates scheduled Thursday night, Friday night, and a final one just before Saturday’s 7:45 p.m. ET kickoff on SEC Network.
ESPN revealed tipoff times for the 2025-26 ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday, marking the event’s third year. Kentucky landed a marquee matchup with North Carolina, set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The late-night showdown at Rupp Arena promises a high-energy atmosphere even if Big Blue Nation needs caffeine to make it through.
For the women’s ACC/SEC Challenge, Kentucky will face Miami (FL) in one of the earlier matchups. The Wildcats will travel to Coral Gables on Wednesday, Dec. 3, with tipoff set for 5:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Ranked No. 3 nationally, Kentucky volleyball (8-2) opened SEC play with a commanding sweep of South Carolina (25-17, 29-27, 25-18) at Memorial Coliseum. After rallying from an 18-10 deficit to steal set two, the Wildcats cruised through the third to seal the win.
Five-star wing Anthony Thompson is currently on his official visit to Kentucky, but he won’t be the only elite prospect in town. Along with five-star forward Cam Williams, who arrives Friday, another highly touted recruit has been added to the Wildcats’ weekend visitor list.
According to Jacob Poalcheck of KSR+, five-star wing Christian Collins has adjusted his schedule and will head to Lexington today. Initially set for early October, his visit now comes a week earlier. Collins has already been to USC and Oregon, while Mark Pope continues seeking Kentucky’s first 2026 pledge.
Zion Childress is heading home to Houston. With the Texans’ secondary battling injuries, the team signed the former Kentucky defensive back off the Cowboys’ practice squad. Born just outside of Houston, Childress went undrafted in the spring but impressed during Dallas training camp. After limited action on special teams in two games, he’ll now get a shot to contribute defensively in the NFL. His debut opportunity could come Sunday when the Texans host the winless Titans.
It’s Thirsty Thursday, which means KSR Happy Hour is back at 4:00 p.m. ET on the KSR YouTube channel. Grab a Country Boy and hang out with the crew as they kick back, chat Kentucky sports, and dive into fun, random topics. Last week’s debate centered on who would win in a fight between Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey today’s show promises more laughs and lively conversation.
Thursday Night Football features an NFC West clash as the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) visit the Arizona Cardinals (2-1). Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. Former Kentucky DT Quinton Bohanna is on Seattle’s practice squad but unlikely to play. BetMGM has Arizona favored by 1.5 points, and with their defense on my fantasy roster, I’ll be cheering for plenty of Seattle mistakes.
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