As Kentucky football prepares to open the 2026 season under first-year head coach Will Stein, the Wildcats are making sure that one of the program’s most meaningful traditions remains firmly in place.
The “Lift Them Up” initiative, which has been part of Kentucky football since 2018, will continue during Stein’s first season in Lexington. The program partners with Golisano Children’s Hospital in Lexington to recognize a child during each home-game week and give that child a special experience at Kroger Field.
This week’s honoree is Oliver, a resilient 7-year-old who has already overcome an extraordinary medical ordeal. Oliver was struck by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury that required him to be sedated and placed on a ventilator. Despite the seriousness of the injury, he fought through the recovery process and is now thriving.
Kentucky plans to give Oliver a memorable game-day experience when the Wildcats host Youngstown State in the season opener. As part of the tradition, he is expected to be recognized around the team’s pregame Cat Walk before receiving additional recognition inside Kroger Field.
For Kentucky, the program is about much more than football. It gives players and coaches an opportunity to connect with children and families facing difficult circumstances while allowing those children to experience the excitement and support of being part of the Wildcats’ home-game environment.
Oliver’s personality and interests have also made his selection especially endearing. He enjoys hot dogs and spaghetti, loves the color blue, and reportedly likes working out to get “puff,” or stronger. His story of resilience is expected to make Saturday’s recognition particularly meaningful for the Kentucky community.
The continuation of “Lift Them Up” also represents an important cultural message as Stein begins his tenure. The tradition was established during Mark Stoops’ time as Kentucky’s head coach, but the change on the coaching staff has not altered the program’s commitment to its community-focused initiatives.
Stein is entering Lexington with considerable expectations after being hired to lead the Wildcats into a new era. The former Oregon offensive coordinator has brought an offensive-minded approach to Kentucky, along with a dramatically revamped roster. The Wildcats are preparing for their first game with a new quarterback, a new coaching philosophy and numerous newcomers across the roster.
Saturday’s matchup with Youngstown State will therefore carry plenty of football significance, but the Wildcats’ celebration of Oliver will provide an important reminder that the program’s impact extends beyond wins and losses.
Youngstown State enters the opener after an impressive 43-10 victory over Mercyhurst and is ranked No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25. The Penguins are led by quarterback Beau Brungard, the 2025 Walter Payton Award winner, who accounted for 351 yards and five touchdowns in his team’s opener.
Kentucky is expected to be heavily favored, but the opening game will provide the first opportunity for fans to see Stein’s new-look Wildcats in meaningful action. The performance will be closely watched as Kentucky begins its transition from the previous regime and attempts to establish a more explosive identity.
While the attention will naturally center on the new coach, new quarterback and revamped roster, Kentucky is making sure that familiar traditions remain part of the program’s identity.
For Oliver, however, Saturday will not be about schemes, rankings or the pressure surrounding a new coaching era. It will be about celebrating how far he has come, being surrounded by the Kentucky community and enjoying a special day at Kroger Field.
And for Big Blue Nation, Stein’s first home game will provide an opportunity to show that the Wildcats’ commitment to lifting others up remains stronger than ever.
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