(KBTX) – The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026, and Texas A&M opens league play in Week 3 against Kentucky, a program entering a new era under head coach Will Stein.
Stein, the former offensive coordinator at Oregon, is one of six new head coaches in the SEC this season. He takes over for Mark Stoops, who was fired after 13 seasons — the longest tenure of any coach in the conference at the time of his dismissal. Kentucky finished 5-7 in Stoops’ final season.
Familiar faces on both sidelines
Despite the programs meeting only once this century — a 20-14 Texas A&M win at Kyle Field in 2018 — there is significant familiarity between the two teams heading into the 2026 matchup.
Former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is now the defensive coordinator at Kentucky. Stein said the hire has already made an impact.
“I love how attacking he is on defense, and what they were able to do at A&M the past few years is very impressive,” Stein said. “They had a great roster, but they had a really good scheme as well. So, Jay is the ultimate relationship person. Our players already will run through a brick wall for this man.”
Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez said Bateman’s standards carry over to his players.
“I love talking to him every day,” Rodriguez said. “We go back and forth a lot every day, but he’s a really good defensive coordinator. I think he sets a standard very high for his guys over there, and they hold each other to it. So, I think he’s going to be great. And we got some dudes on that defense. So, really good leaders as well.”
Wildcat safety Ty Bryant said he’s enjoyed Bateman’s aggressive style of defense that he’s brought to Lexington.
“For me, ultimately, he just allows me to roam around and make plays, no matter if that’s tackling or making plays on the football,” Bryant said. “And that’s what I like to do. He’s a great guy. He’s super smart too. It’s an honor just to be able to pick his brain when it comes to what he thinks and the game of football. So, I’m just glad that we cross paths and I’m able to play for him.”
Kentucky QB has seen the Aggies up close
Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey, a transfer from Notre Dame, faced the Aggies, albeit as a backup watching from the sidelines, in each of the past two seasons — once at home and once in College Station.
“I see that scheme and that defense every day in practice,” Minchey said. “But playing them the past two years, one at home and then one away — I can say I’ve been to their stadium before, so I know what the atmosphere is like.”
Game details
The media picked Kentucky to finish 14th in the SEC in 2026. The Wildcats travel to College Station on Sept. 19 for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.
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