Kentucky Football took the field on Saturday ranked as a top-25 team in America with their sights set on securing another conference road win, this time at South Carolina.
If you were looking for a fast start from the Cats in Columbia, you found yourself sorely disappointed. The Gamecocks dominated the first quarter in every aspect of the game. Before you could settle into your seat, the score was 14-0, and Will Stein’s team was searching for answers.
Through four games this season, Stein had done a terrific job having his team ready to play. Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon was a sobering change of pace as USC looked like the more prepared squad.
UK utilized scrappy play on both sides of the ball in the second quarter to stabilize what was a disastrous start in a hostile environment. Fueled by a few key defensive plays, Kenny Minchey and the offense managed to navigate adversity and put 10 points on the board before halftime. Despite the 20-10 deficit, you could feel the momentum teetering between both sides, with the Cats in a great position to make their move as they were set to receive the second-half kickoff.
Credit to Coach Stein and the coaching staff for making the necessary adjustments that fueled an impressive UK comeback. Multiple Minchey touchdown tosses put the Cats back in front 24-20 in what was becoming a shootout inside Williams-Brice Stadium.
Credit to Beamer’s group for not folding and punching right back whenever the game called for it. Neither team wanted to lose this game, and it showed. From a UK fans’ viewpoint, the contest was littered with questionable calls from the officials, which made finding a rhythm challenging all night long.
With the game tied 27-27, Minchey and the Cats had the ball with two minutes and a chance to win the game. Despite moving the ball down the field, they weren’t able to stop the clock in time for a late field goal attempt.
LaNorris Sellers was a beast for South Carolina all game long and opened the overtime period by getting the Gamecocks in the end zone, putting all the pressure on Kentucky to score a touchdown.
Minchey responded in heroic fashion by connecting for the touchdown and 2-point conversion, giving the Cats the miraculous win, 35-34, capping off the largest road comeback victory in program history.
“Comeback frickin’ Cats here in Columbia!” Stein exclaimed after the win.
Good times.
Highlights
Game MVP
Even the most optimistic Wildcat fans found themselves questioning what the heck was going on in Columbia during the first half of Saturday’s game.
For a moment, it felt as if the wheels were about to completely come off for the 24th-ranked Wildcats. Instead, Kenny Minchey found a way to settle his team down and avoid what could have been a lopsided affair had things not been reeled in.
In fact, Minchey would do more than settle in; he’d make a slew of big-time plays. His two touchdown passes in the third quarter put Kentucky back in front, leaving the Gamecock crowd frustrated and stunned.
The Notre Dame transfer wasn’t even close to done. Minchey delivered one memorable performance in overtime in Columbia that was capped off by a touchdown and 2-point conversion. His efforts contributed to a win that will be remembered for a long time.
Minchey finished with 272 yards and three touchdowns. Way to play, No. 3.
Box ScoreKentucky vs. South Carolina Twitter Reactions
Go time. pic.twitter.com/PPwQgM2nkQ
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2026
Will Stein tells Tom Leach his team had the right mindset and focus this week in practice. They are ready to go play.
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) October 3, 2026
Woof. I expected SC to come out ready to roll. Didn’t think UK would be sleep walking
— Ethan DeWitt (@EthanDeWitt1) October 3, 2026
South Carolina just absolutely embarrassing Kentuckys defense so far. 🤦♂️
— Brandon Vincent (@bvince1993) October 3, 2026
South Carolina’s quarterback was about to lose his job last night and today we have him looking like a Heisman contender 🥴
— BBN4Life (@bbn4_uk) October 3, 2026
Damn, Kentucky.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTuckerCBB) October 3, 2026
Onions decision to go for it, onions throws back-to-back by Minchey.
Shane Beamer and Co. led 17-0 at home … now trailing. Wowza.
Regardless of what happens I love that this team fought all the way back to the take the lead from 17-down.
— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) October 3, 2026
We haven’t seen anything like that in a long time.
Would be gutted to lose, but hard not to be proud of a team that flipped a game like that. This is fun.
Some huge calls by both head coaches here in the final minutes.
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) October 3, 2026
Will Stein kicking the FG instead of going for it on 4th down.
Shane Beamer punting instead of going for it on 4th down.
2 minutes left. COME ON CATS
GOOD NIGHT COLUMBIA!!!!!!!!!!
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) October 4, 2026
KENTUCKY WINS!!!
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) October 4, 2026
That is EXACTLY what you hired Coach Stein to do. Be aggressive and draw up some beautiful offense.
What a freaking comeback!!!
Congrats to coach Stein and BBN on the overtime win at South Carolina!!!! What a comeback!!
— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) October 4, 2026
Will Stein shares a special moment with his family after the win 😼 pic.twitter.com/JtxCBJ6XXC
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) October 4, 2026
WILL STEIN: BALLS OF STEEL pic.twitter.com/nwctyuYOjQ
— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) October 4, 2026
Listen to how quiet it gets pic.twitter.com/vBhs3g2Y88
— WT – Mase Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) October 4, 2026
Kenny Darby could realistically be the Greatest Kentucky WR ever if he stays here 4 Years
— Blue Chips Media (@BlueChipsBBN) October 3, 2026
Will Stein celebrates with the BBN 😼 pic.twitter.com/QP5n6rZX0B
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) October 4, 2026
Kentucky had just a 6.8% win probability when down 0-17 in the second quarter… pic.twitter.com/6KlJCuh3yr
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 4, 2026
OT touchdown went to a tight end
— WT – Mase Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) October 4, 2026
OT game-winner went to a tight end
SOMEONE TELL SENECA DRIVER TO GET HIMSELF TO LEXINGTON
How about it Big Blue Nation???????
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) October 4, 2026
Will Stein with the big onions to go for two in OT and get the W. Wildcats were down 0-17 and never blinked. Something brewing in Lexington baby!!!!!!!
Will Stein and Kentucky channeled their inner Maximus tonight. pic.twitter.com/3bfDTKIZg9
— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerOn3) October 4, 2026
Notable @CoachWillStein Overtime Wins:
— Robert Sampson (@RobertSampson) October 4, 2026
2026 Regular Season as Head Coach of @UKFootball – Improves to 2-0 in SEC road games in career – Kentucky 35, South Carolina 34 (OT) after trailing by 17
2007 Kentucky State Championship – Last Game as a HS QB for Will Stein at… pic.twitter.com/U5GKsqjQty
We are the sandstorm. pic.twitter.com/hYDomE7tYI
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 4, 2026