It is Football Time in the Bluegrass!!! Not only is college football back in action at Kroger Field, but Saturday afternoon will ring in the beginning of a new era as well. Coach Will Stein will be the first new head coach to lead the Kentucky Wildcats out of the tunnel since Coach Mark Stoops took over in 2013.

The Youngstown State football team returns home to play a match against Duquesne at Stambaugh Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff for the contest is set

Play-by-play action for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Youngstown State Penguins NCAAF game from October 4, 2025 on ESPN.

Kentucky football is set to open its 2026 season. Here are storylines and players to watch in the Wildcats' opener against Youngstown State.

The 2026 college football season officially gets underway Thursday night, with Youngstown State hosting Mercyhurst in an FCS matchup at Stambaugh Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the game live on the ESPN App.

The No. 9 Penguins piled up 484 total yards and dominated defensively in a 43-10 rout, keeping the Lakers from crossing midfield for nearly three full quarters.

Youngstown State has won six of the seven games against Duquesne. But, its the last game that still stings. The Dukes bet the Penguins 28-25 back in September 2024. “Our players know about that and it was Beau’s (Brungard) third start. A lot of fifth year seniors understand that. That was a difficult loss in a tough season.”

Kentucky football defeats Youngstown State in the season-opener.