Kentucky Wildcats Football 2025

Kentucky came out swinging in 2023, starting 5-0 and looking like a legit threat. Then Georgia happened. The Wildcats lost 51-13 in Athens, and things never fully got back on track after that. They finished the year 7-6 after a bowl loss to Clemson.

Still, it wasn’t a wasted season. It just left fans, and bettors, wondering what could’ve been if the offense found more consistency.

Now it’s 2025, and there’s a new name under center: Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star Georgia recruit who brings real upside at quarterback. The Wildcats also brought in running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye from NC State, and while the offensive line needs a rebuild, the ceiling is higher than it was this time last year.

Mark Stoops remains the longest-tenured head coach in the SEC. He’s got stability, experience, and a defense that should again be good enough to keep Kentucky in close games.

The Wildcats open 2025 ranked No. 29 in Action Network’s betting power ratings (84.5), sandwiched between Nebraska and South Carolina. Not quite elite, but squarely in the second tier of SEC teams that can pull off an upset or two.

Betting on the Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky Point Spreads

You know the drill: point spreads are all about the margin. Doesn’t matter who wins if your team covers.

Let’s say Kentucky is a 3.5-point underdog at home against Tennessee:

• Kentucky +3.5
• Tennessee –3.5

If Kentucky loses by 3 or fewer (or wins outright), Wildcats backers cash their tickets. In 2023, Kentucky went 6–7 against the spread, right around average. But with a new QB and better playmakers, that number could swing either way this year.

Pay attention to where the market moves, Kentucky has a habit of showing up strong early in the year.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about point spreads

Kentucky Over/Unders

Kentucky was a surprise Over machine last season, 9 of their 13 games hit the Over. That had more to do with defensive lapses and some late-game chaos than anything else, but it still made for fun Saturday viewing.

Totals this year will depend heavily on what Vandagriff brings to the offense. If he clicks with this new-look backfield, Overs might be worth a look again, especially against soft middle-tier SEC defenses.

Matchup context matters here. Don’t auto-fire the Over just because they hit it last year, but don’t sleep on it either.

FAQ: Betting the point total, explained | What is a push?

Kentucky Moneylines

Moneylines are as straightforward as it gets, just pick the winner.

Example:

• Kentucky +145
• Florida -170

Bet $100 on the Wildcats at +145 and you profit $145 if they pull the upset. Lay $170 on the Gators at -170 and you’d win $100 if they come through.

Kentucky tends to live in that midrange; short favorites or underdogs in toss-up SEC games. So if you’re feeling confident in an outright win, you can get plus-money value without worrying about the spread. It's also handy in parlays if you’re building out an SEC Saturday card.

Check out our Odds Calculator to calculate any bet amount or conversion.

FAQ: How to bet on the moneyline | How to make a parlay

Kentucky Props

Props let you dial into the nitty-gritty: stat lines, first scores, and all kinds of player-specific outcomes.

In states that allow college props, you might see:

• Vandagriff over/under 1.5 touchdown passes
• Sumo-Karngbaye to score a touchdown
• First team to reach 20 points?

Not every book offers the same props, and rules vary by state (some don’t allow college player props at all). So if you’re blocked you can try PrizePicks, where you can build DFS-style stat-based entries for players like Vandagriff and Sumo without dealing with the usual restrictions.

FAQ: Here’s how prop betting works

Kentucky Futures

Futures are where you plant a flag and hope for the long haul payoff.

You’ll find options like:

• Kentucky to win the SEC Championship
• Over/under season win total (likely 6.5 or 7)
• Vandagriff in the Heisman conversation (long shot, but hey)

Futures are great if you’ve got a read on a breakout, or want to lock in a number before the public catches on.

Lines move fast once a team starts winning, so shop early, compare books, and use the Action app to track best prices all season long. For a full list of college football futures, click or tap here.

Make sure to check out our sportsbook reviews for more information on what’s available in your state and exclusive sign-up bonuses + promo codes.