Kentucky Ranks No. 6 in Initial CFP Poll

Kentucky, 7-1 and tied for the SEC lead, was ranked No. 6 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, a program high and its first CFP ranking since 2022. If the bracket had been set at that point, the Wildcats would have faced Notre Dame in the first round. Kentucky also rose to No. 8 in the AP Top 25 during its bye week after wins over top-10 opponents Texas A&M and LSU and a road comeback against South Carolina. The Wildcats were set to visit No. 16 Tennessee in a pivotal game, with playoff and SEC-title hopes still alive; several more ranked opponents remained on their schedule. Coach Will Stein said the team was focused on winning rather than its ranking.