The original plan was simple: gloat about Kentucky volleyball marching into the KFC Yum! Center and silencing Louisville. But before we get to that, the off-court drama between Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey is too wild to ignore.
Did Pope and Kelsey Clash at Midnight?
The story starts at four-star guard Tay Kinney’s Atlanta apartment during the opening of the recruiting period. Pope was supposed to meet Kinney right at midnight, with Kelsey scheduled immediately after.
But when Pope arrived late, Kelsey decided to jump ahead. Words were exchanged, tempers flared, and while no punches were thrown, it wasn’t exactly a friendly encounter.
“I was told Pope was upset,” KSR+ insider Jacob Polacheck said on KSR Happy Hour. “It’s an exaggeration to say they nearly came to blows, but there was definitely some animosity.”
The twist? Neither Kentucky nor Louisville looks like the winner in this battle. Kansas is expected to land Kinney, with Arkansas making a late push. Which makes you wonder: did Pope know exactly what he was doing when he disrupted Kelsey’s visit?
The On-Court Beatdown: Kentucky Volleyball Stuns Louisville
Meanwhile, on the hardwood, Kentucky volleyball delivered its own knockout blow. Facing No. 3 Louisville on the road, the Wildcats stormed back from a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2, their first victory in the rivalry since 2019.
Brooklyn DeLeye: 24 kills, 14 digs
Eva Hudson: 17 kills, 21 digs (career-high)
Brooke Bultema: 11 kills
Lizzie Carr: 10 kills
Kassie O’Brien: 30 assists before leaving with cramps
Ava Sarafa: 25 assists, clutch performance in relief
The Wildcats are now 6-2 with two top-10 wins (including at No. 5 Penn State). Next up: Washington at Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
Bye Week for Football
Kentucky football hits its bye week, giving Mark Stoops time to focus on development and recovery.
“We needed a really good day today, and we had a physical practice,” Stoops said. “I feel like we’re making improvements.”
The Wildcats return to action against South Carolina next weekend.
Cutter Boley: Kentucky’s New QB1
With Zach Calzada sidelined, Cutter Boley has stepped in and shown growth each game. The young quarterback even broke out the John Wall Dance, cementing himself as a confident new leader for the Wildcats.
Andrija Jelavic: “Instantly Committed” to Kentucky
Freshman forward Andrija Jelavic says his decision to join Kentucky basketball was easy.
“All it took was one phone call from Coach Pope,” Jelavic said. “I didn’t even talk to the other coaches. The moment he called, I committed.”
SEC Schedule Reveal Coming Soon
On Tuesday, the SEC will announce the new nine-game conference format, permanent rivals, and Kentucky’s 2026 slate. Expect a brutal schedule — but also more chances to prove themselves on the national stage.
For now, Big Blue Nation can savor it: a bye week for football, a huge recruiting storyline, and a volleyball win that sends Louisville home in tears.
