Jay Bateman (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky defensive coordinator Jay Bateman obviously knows a lot more football than me but the two of us do agree 100 percent on one thing — UK senior safety Ty Bryant should have been on the preseason all-SEC team recently selected by media members.
“I just think he’s a tremendous leader. He’s a tremendous player. I don’t know how a kid is second-team All-SEC (in 2025), and then a year later he’s not preseason All-SEC. I’ll let you guys figure that part out,” Bateman said at UK’s Media Day on Monday.
“But he’s a tremendous player. I think he’ll make a lot of plays this year. We’ll get him to the point of attack a lot, and I think he’s, look — the most important recruiter that I’ve gotten to visit with since I’ve been here was Ty Bryant and his family when I first got hired, and we’re really fortunate he’s here.”
Bryant started all 12 UK games in 2025 and had a team-high 76 tackles and four interceptions, tied for the best mark in the SEC. He has played in 37 games and started 25 games for Kentucky.
Bryant quickly learned about the snub on social media but refused to show any bitterness about being left off the team during UK’s Media Day.
“I was a little disappointed about it, but regardless, it’s the preseason,” Bryant said. “My play is gonna have to do the talking. It is what it is. I know the work that I put in this offseason, so I can’t wait to get on the field and show everyone else.”
Bryant had his normal infectious smile even while talking about not making the preseason all-SEC team. He had plenty of chances to leave UK for more lucrative offers at other schools, including several in the SEC, but stayed loyal to Kentucky when coach Will Stein and Bateman made it clear they considered keeping him a priority.
“Change isn’t easy but not all change is bad,” Bryant said. “Coach Bateman flew in here and he talked to me and my family. I just trusted what him and coach Stein were saying. That’s what got me back here.”
Bryant was a preseason third team all-conference pick in football analyst Phil Steele’s preseason publication. Even then eight players were picked above him which made no sense based on the numbers he put up last season.
I know it. You know it. And obviously so does UK defensive coordinator Jay Bateman.
8 Responses
Kentucky is going to be A LOT better on defense than anyone expects them to be. Bryant will be one of the main reasons why. The SEC is in for a big surprise this year. Starting September 12. It's Stein Time!
Got to find a way to shed the UT snake. That will be a season defining game.
Not only that got to beat the other big dogs as well. Not an easy task in SEC. We shall see what unfolds.
with you Mike. Get that win
I think you're right Jimmy. Minchey is the wildcard. If he can keep his head and let the O line and run game help him, we will win some games that nobody is expecting. Getting a bowl bid would make him SEC coach of the year.
Bryant is going to have a monster season this year and end up being a first or second team all SEC. 80+ tackles 5+ ints.
I don't understand the South Carolina game. The only reason we lost to them is because Boley threw 4 interceptions. We was there only SEC win last year. That's how bad we were.
Now if Pope can buy Mark Mitchell, being a Wildcat will be a lot more fun this year than it was last year.