Aug 30, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Alex Afari Jr. (3) reacts after a defensive play during the third quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Good morning, BBN!

The Kentucky Wildcats came out of the gate cooking to start the season, putting up 506 total yards of offense to go with six touchdowns, winning the game 45-13.

Defensively, they looked alright. Yes, overall it was a good effort, but you could tell something was missing. That something was Alex Afari.

He got in on kickoffs in the first half and then played some in the second half, but that looks to be changing with Alabama coming to town:

“Alex Afari, we’re planning on ramping up his workload this week and playing him as much as we can,” Stein said with confidence in his Tuesday presser.

Afari is a true difference maker: 193 career tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He’s one of, if not the best, defenders the Cats have, and when they put him in full-go on Saturday, we’ll all see that.

It should be a fun one in Lexington on Saturday. Do you think Stein and the Cats will shock the world?

Tweet of the Day

Official Statement Regarding Western Michigan – Michigan Football Game

🗒️: https://t.co/eYw49T9ABRpic.twitter.com/LKXQ0qm5s9

— MACtion (@MACSports) September 8, 2026

If this works and Michigan’s win gets taken away, it would be objectively hilarious.

Headlines

Stein, Cats Preparing for SEC Opener Against Alabama – UK Athletics

Kroger Field needs to be loud on Saturday.

Kentucky Baseball Releases 2027 SEC Schedule – UK Athletics

Should be a fun year!

Jon Palumbo Named Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Deputy CEO of Champions Blue – UK Athletics

Big role.

Bucs, Baker Mayfield agree to 3-year extension, sources say – ESPN

Baker got his deal!

CBS Sports predicts every NFL division winner: Experts high on Cowboys, fading Chiefs, and split on NFC North – CBS Sports

A little over 12 hours until the NFL starts.

MAC wants Western Michigan recognized as winner vs. Michigan – ESPN

Full story on the Western Michigan and MAC rebuttle.

LIV Golf files for bankruptcy: Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau reportedly free to leave as largest creditors – CBS Sports

It finally happened.

Tiafoe rallies past Michelsen in 5 sets to make US Open semis – ESPN

Electric comeback.

College Football Playoff triggers 30-day window to negotiate expanding the field to 24 teams – CBS Sports

I’m for it, I guess.

Aaron Donald will not play against the 49ers – NBC Sports

That’s a shame, but it makes sense.