The 20 Most Beloved Figures in Team History
Overshadowed by arguably the most storied basketball program in the country, the University of Kentucky's football team has often been placed on the back burner throughout the years... — bleacherreport.com
While not as storied as some college football giants, the Kentucky Wildcats football program boasts several high points throughout its history:
Early Brilliance:
-1920s-1930s: Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant led the Wildcats to their first major wins, including a 1947 Great Lakes Bowl victory and consecutive Sugar Bowl appearances in 1951 and 1952.
-1948-1950: Three consecutive AP Top 10 rankings, culminating in a claimed national championship in 1950 (pre-BCS era) after shocking No. 1 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.
Individual Greatness:
-1960s-1970s: Running back Sonny Collins became the program's first Heisman Trophy finalist (1975), showcasing Kentucky's offensive talent.
-1990s: Tim Couch established himself as one of the best college quarterbacks ever, becoming the second Heisman finalist (1997) and setting numerous SEC records.
Modern Moments:
-2006-2007: Under coach Rich Brooks, Kentucky achieved its first 10-win season in over 80 years and upset LSU in the 2007 Citrus Bowl.
-2018: The Wildcats defeated rivals Louisville and Florida for the first time in the same season since 1976, earning a No. 9 ranking in the CFP before falling to Georgia.
-2022: Mark Stoops led Kentucky to their first win over rival Tennessee in 11 years, earning a place in the Citrus Bowl, the program's 13th bowl appearance in 12 years.
