As Kentucky prepares for its first preseason camp under new offensive coordinator Will Stein, the focus has quickly turned to the running back position, a unit that will be asked to shoulder a heavy load in the Wildcats’ game plan.
Injury Concerns Shape the Backfield
Stein, whose career has been built on coaxing production out of star quarterbacks and crafting balanced, multi‑dimensional attacks, has repeatedly emphasized that a potent rushing attack will be essential to take pressure off the passing game.
The coaching staff has already begun experimenting with multiple back sets, but the early returns are clouded by injury concerns. Both CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes were held out of the majority of spring drills, leaving the roster thin at the position.
Baxter arrived in Lexington after a injury‑marred stint at Texas, where a knee problem forced him to miss the entire 2024 season and a hamstring issue limited his 2025 campaign. Barnes, meanwhile, has struggled to stay on the field, having played more than nine games in a single season only once since his freshman year at Oklahoma.
Coach Will Stein has assured that all players, including Baxter and Barnes, will be fully ready for the upcoming season, but the reality of their medical histories leaves the staff cautious about relying on a single workhorse.
Jason Patterson emerged as the most experienced option during spring practice, logging 77 carries for 336 yards over the past two years, while Martels Carter, a safety by trade, was shifted to offense to help plug the depth gap.
Other scholarship backs such as Tovani Mizell and Delvecchio Alston are also in the mix, but the competition is expected to be fierce as the staff evaluates who can handle the bulk of the workload.
A Committee Approach Emerges
A committee approach could help maintain health throughout the season, allowing the Wildcats to spread carries across several capable backs rather than leaning on a single featured runner.
The depth chart will ultimately be shaped by how quickly the injured players can return to full strength, but the overall philosophy remains one of balance and versatility.