New Kentucky head coach Will Stein offered a simple answer as to why he believes the program will succeed under his leadership.
"I think because of me, to be honest," Stein said at SEC Media Days on Monday. "I think because of me. I think I know what it takes. I have seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level.
"You just got to believe, man. You just got to put the ball down and play. There's really nothing else to be said. Is it going to happen overnight? I don't know. I really don't. ... The best determination of if what you're doing is working is putting the ball down and playing football."
Stein's confident answer closely resembles the words of Indiana head boss Curt Cignetti, who, in 2023, said, "I win - Google me" when asked what he would tell recruits and players about the culture he implements. Cignetti went on to win the national title in his second season at Indiana.
Stein spent the last three seasons as Oregon's offensive coordinator. He helped the Ducks rank among the Big Ten's top two in yards per game each of the last two campaigns. The team also averaged 37.7 points per contest during his tenure.
The 36-year-old developed quarterbacks Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, who were both selected in the NFL draft. Dante Moore, who's projected to hear his name called early in the 2027 draft, threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in Stein's offense last season.
Kentucky hasn't won an SEC championship since 1950 and has just four seasons of 10-plus wins in school history. Stein, who grew up a Wildcats fan, thinks he can change the program's fortunes and recruit at a much higher level than in years past.
"I know the players that we can get here," Stein said. "I know we can recruit north, south, and east. People come to Lexington and love it. The longer I live there, the longer I'm like, 'Wow, this place is incredible.' It's got everything that you want: great food, great nightlife, great community, great university. It's safe."
Kentucky will kick off its 2026 season against Youngstown State on Sept. 5.
