🔵 The Official Daily Newsletter For Kentucky Athletics

Good morning. How much drip do you really have? Nike just dropped the UK-branded Nike Pegasus 40 shoes and if you don’t have them, you’re missing out.

What all are we tossing into today’s Brew?

👥 A Ryan duo on soccer staff
🏆 The watch list gets bigger
🔵 And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Triples Is Best. Now that men’s soccer is ranked No. 3 in the country, head coach Johan Cedergren is bolstering his coaching staff and taking a cue from his national ranking to do it in threes. 

Ryan Zinkhan is in his second season with UK men’s soccer. Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia—he came to Kentucky last February after spending four seasons at Oregon State. He served as an assistant coach before getting promoted to associate head coach in 2022.

Ryan Hulings joins Kentucky soccer after spending the last season with University of Birmingham-Alabama’s goalkeepers. Due to his strong recruiting efforts at UAB, he set an all-time best for the program as the 2023 incoming class was ranked No. 30 by TopDrawerSoccer—and leading the way was goalkeeper Jack Hudson who was ranked No. 1 in the AAC in total saves and No. 2 in saves per game (4.29) and save percentage (.759).

Stanton Smith has been elevated from director of operations to assistant coach. Serving as a critical part of the daily operations of the organization, he came to UK after serving as the assistant coach of Georgetown College’s soccer program, and his work with the Tigers was the perfect segue to his role with the Wildcats—while at Georgetown, he played an integral role in recruiting efforts, developing player-specific strategies, inventorying equipment, and game strategy.

🐐 Let’s take time to appreciate our G.O.A.T. head coach Johan Cedergren.

🔼 Gotta Catch ‘Em All. Kentucky football’s Barion Brown has earned a spot on the coveted Paul Hornung Award Watch List. Last season, he recorded 50 catches (best on the team) and racked up 628 receiving yards (also best on the team) for four touchdowns.

The winner will be announced on December 6.

🏈 Relive Barion Browns’ kickoff return touchdown against Miami of Ohio

🤔 BIG BLUE TRIVIA

Anotha’ One. DJ Khaled’s famous phrase must have been geared towards Kentucky athletics—Barion Brown is up for the Paul Hornung Award, but so was another Kentucky athlete in 2019.

Our question today—who was it?

(Hint: This player started as a wide receiver, and then after injuries moved to quarterback.)

Think you got it? Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

🔵 ONE BIG THING

Cooking on and off the court. Premiering next season, Kentucky women’s basketball is featured in the next MasterChef. (Gordon Ramsay approves, and so do we!)

On the menu—honey sriracha Salmon, mashed potatoes, cookies, and ice cream sandwiches.

📷 See more of what the team dished out in this photo gallery.

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you the Big Blue Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here for free and get it in your inbox every weekday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

📅 COMING SOON

Saturday, August 5

🏈 Football Fan Day @ 11:00am ET | More Details

Thursday, August 17

⚽️ Women’s Soccer vs. Eastern Kentucky @ 7:30pm ET (Season Opener)

Thursday, August 24

⚽️ Men’s Soccer vs. Florida Gulf Coast @ 7:30pm ET (Home Opener)

Friday, September 1

🏐 Volleyball vs. Pittsburgh @ 7:00pm ET (Home Opener)

Saturday, September 2

🏈 Football vs. Ball State @ 12:00pm ET on SEC Network | Watch Live | Reserve Your Tailgate

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Lynn Bowden!

🔵 Have a great Friday!