Rick Pitino, one of college basketball’s most renowned coaches and a figure synonymous with Kentucky sports, surprised many when he took to social media to shout out the Kentucky Wildcats football team after their monumental win over Ole Miss. The Wildcats’ 31-24 victory in Oxford, Mississippi, was a defining moment in the program’s recent history, and Pitino, despite being a basketball legend, couldn’t help but acknowledge the impact of the win.
Pitino, who coached Kentucky basketball from 1989 to 1997 and led the Wildcats to an NCAA championship in 1996, has long held ties to the university. However, his latest public comment highlighted his appreciation for Kentucky football’s growth under head coach Mark Stoops. “What an incredible win for @UKFootball! Proud of the players and coaches for representing the Big Blue Nation so well. Huge moment for the program!” Pitino tweeted after the game.
The win over Ole Miss was a signature victory for Kentucky, cementing their status as a legitimate contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Wildcats’ defense was stellar, making crucial stops in the fourth quarter, while the offense executed key plays that secured the victory. For a program that has historically been overshadowed by basketball, this win was yet another step in Kentucky football’s rise under Stoops, who has steadily built the program into a competitive force in the SEC.
Pitino’s shoutout was significant not only because of his storied history with Kentucky basketball but also because it reflected how far the football program has come. Kentucky football, traditionally seen as a middle-of-the-pack team, has gained national attention with impressive wins like the one against Ole Miss. Pitino’s support adds to the growing recognition that the Wildcats are now a serious contender in football, too.
Mark Stoops and his team have worked hard to elevate Kentucky football, and the victory over Ole Miss only solidifies their reputation. With influential figures like Pitino offering praise, the Wildcats are continuing to build momentum both on the field and within the broader sports community.
Pitino’s acknowledgment of Kentucky football also demonstrates the unity within the university’s athletic programs. While Kentucky is traditionally a basketball powerhouse, the success of the football team is a point of pride for the entire Big Blue Nation. With Rick Pitino, a Kentucky icon, lending his support, the football program’s achievement resonates even more across the fanbase.
As Kentucky football continues to make strides, moments like these—both on and off the field—showcase how far the program has come and how bright the future could be. The Wildcats’ victory at Ole Miss is more than just a win; it’s a signal that Kentucky football is ready to compete at the highest levels of college football, and they have the support of legends like Pitino behind them.