Everything you need to know about Kentucky football in 2022: Schedule, players analysis

The Kentucky Wildcats open the 2022 football season with big expectations.

All preseason they've talked about making the SEC Championship. That requires beating defending national champion Georgia in a November. It requires dominating other conference opponents on the way there. It requires great play from potential first-round NFL draft pick Will Levis.

The rest of the SEC may not be as willing to anoint the Wildcats a serious contender; Kentucky was picked to finish third in the East by SEC media in July. On Aug. 15, the Wildcats earned a preseason AP Top 25 ranking for the first time since 1978, coming in No. 20.

Can coach Mark Stoops propel this team to Atlanta in December? We're about to find out.

Before UK's season kicks off Saturday at home against Miami (Ohio), here's everything you need to know about its roster, schedule and more. And keep up all season with Wildcats coverage by subscribing to The Courier Journal for just $22 for the first two years.

UK football:Will Levis changed Kentucky football last year. His next challenge is to be even better

Kentucky football roster

➤ Pre-camp depth chart predictions for Week 1

➤ The 5 freshmen most likely to have a big impact on Wildcats' season

➤ The 5 players most likely to have a breakout season

➤ Can a redshirt freshman left tackle be the answer to UK's offensive line?

➤ Position breakdown: No Chris Rodriguez, second year with Will Levis. What's next for the offense?

➤ Position breakdown: Plenty of confidence, but some questions linger about UK defense

Kentucky football schedule

➤ What to know about the 2022 Kentucky football schedule

➤ 5 games the Wildcats must win to claim the SEC East

➤ How many games will UK win in 2022?

2022 Kentucky football camp coverage

➤ 5 storylines to watch as camp begins

➤ UK loses backup QB to transfer portal

➤ Will Chris Rodriguez play? If not, UK has faith in its running backs

➤ Why UK's defensive linemen shed pounds this offseason

➤ Why Will Levis isn't worried about his blindside

➤ 3 takeaways from Kentucky's fan day open practice

➤ How family is helping Dane Key quest to lock up starting WR spot

➤ In-house feud: Mark Stoops fuming after John Calipari's "basketball school" comments

➤ Why Kentucky football needs Keidron Smith to be a contributor at corner — and a mentor

➤ Can transfer Ramon Jefferson take the SEC heat? He thinks he can

➤ With a lot of mouths to feed, here's how UK plans to utilize all its tight ends

➤ J.J. Weaver finding peace after injury and family tragedy

➤ Stoops: RB Chris Rodriguez not available in Week 1 against Miami (Ohio)

➤ 5 bold predictions for Kentucky in 2022

SEC predictions, analysis and more

➤ Experts weigh in: Who will win the SEC? Where will UK finish?