Big Blue Dispatch
Daily Update • October 22, 2026
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Good morning, Big Blue Nation! Thursday, October 22.
The best read of the day is an in-depth ESPN feature on Will Stein titled "The Audacity of Kentucky Coach Will Stein." Run, don't walk, to read it—it breaks down how his unshakeable confidence and fearless play-calling have turned Kentucky into a 6-1 national story.
Once again, the UK social media team has uncorked a winner with this week's episode of unKut. On3 breaks down the new episode, which takes BBN behind the scenes of Saturday's epic road win at Oklahoma. These cinematic access videos are outstanding every week and probably worth more than what you pay for this newsletter. Wait... ;)
Remember Steve Sarkisian's awkward moment with sideline reporter Holly Rowe? Contrast that with Will Stein's reaction— On3 highlights Stein's classy response to a viral sideline mix-up, handling the moment with poise, humor, and respect.
Speaking of Stein, the honors just keep rolling in: UK Athletics reports that Will Stein has been named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year Watch List, officially cementing his spot in the national Coach of the Year conversation.
Over on the basketball side, Ben Roberts has a fantastic piece on Dan Issel featured on Inside Kentucky Basketball. He shares memories from Issel's legendary UK career to mark the release of his new book—and best of all, it’s not behind the usual paywall.
If you're enjoying the Daily Dispatch, please forward it to a fellow UK fan or share our subscribe link at bigbluedispatch.com/newsletter.
Questions or feedback? Drop us a line at contact@bigbluedispatch.com, and follow along on X (@BB_Dispatch) and Bluesky (@bigbluedispatch.bsky.social).
Go Cats! 🐾
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
It feels like the college basketball season is really sneaking up on us. The weather is starting to turn a little bit and we are right in the thick of the college football season.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Ty Bryant isn’t just wrecking SEC opponents on Saturdays. The Kentucky safety is also cleaning up in the classroom.
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Kentucky Kernel — Sports
While many are settling down for the evening, come midnight, Kentucky hockey is just getting warmed up for the match ahead. However, this game was a little different than the others.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
From the outside looking in, the Vanderbilt game feels like a letdown spot for Kentucky. Inside the program, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
It’s our favorite weekly tradition at this point: unKut with Kentucky football , breaking down the Wildcats’ most recent win. This time, it’s the team’s trip to Norman, where they walked into Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and left with a 21-13 victory to move to 6-1 on the season…
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A Sea of Blue
When Will Stein first became the new Kentucky Football head coach, one of his first big decisions was what to do with quarterback Cutter Boley. On the one hand, Boley showed flashes of becoming a solid SEC starter in his first two collegiate seasons.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Arizona State is making a change at quarterback. Cutter Boley will be QB2 this week for the Sun Devils in a home game against Kansas State.
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Kentucky Kernel — Sports
Midnight hockey in Lexington brings a unique late-night atmosphere to the Lexington Ice Center, but Friday’s matchup carried an additional meaning. Trading the usual Kentucky blue for pink jerseys in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Night, the Kentucky men’s hockey team faced…
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Grant Grayton earned a start at cornerback for Kentucky in Week 1 when Terhyon Nichols and Hasaan Sykes were both dealing for injuries. The second-year cornerback then played 26 snaps the very next week against Alabama.
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Nation of Blue
Kentuckys Will Stein has been named to the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year Award watch list. Stein has the Wildcats off to an incredible 6-1 start, including a 4-1 mark in the SEC.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
The Associated Press revealed the 2026-27 college basketball preseason All-American team, naming the top five players this winter. They also released the others receiving votes, giving fans a good look at the biggest names on the court.
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Money has been a talking point this week for Kentucky men’s basketball. When it comes to the price tag of the 2026-27 Wildcats, head coach Mark Pope told Seth Davis and Andy Katz on The Hoops HQ Show earlier this week that he believes UK has a “ relatively modest roster among…
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Google News — UK Football
Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 8 Sports Illustrated
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On3 — Kentucky Wildcats
Mark Pope quickly found his first replacement after Jason Hart and Alvin Brooks III departed over the offseason, stealing NBA champion and All-Star Mo Williams from Jackson State to take over as “The Closer.” He also added Keegan Brown as Kentucky’s new director of roster…
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Google News — UK Basketball
Mark Pope makes interesting comments on Kentucky Basketball recruiting and NIL spending A Sea Of Blue
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