Samuel Colmar
Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops arrives during the cat walk before the Kentucky vs. South Carolina football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Samuel Colmar | Staff
Nate Fuqua has come home.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Kentucky football announced the addition of Fuqua as a defensive analyst and outside linebackers coach, bringing a seasoned defensive mind with deep ties to the Bluegrass State back to the program.
The move adds a layer of experience and regional familiarity to Mark Stoops’ staff as the Wildcats prepare for the 2025 season.
Fuqua’s coaching pedigree speaks volumes. Most recently, he served as co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Cincinnati in 2023, sharpening a defense that faced tough Big 12 competition.
Before that, he spent six seasons at Georgia State, orchestrating the defense as coordinator while coaching the outside linebacker corps into a formidable unit.
His journey also includes a stint at Wofford, after starring as an All-America nose tackle during his playing career. At Wofford, he guided the Terriers to the FCS quarterfinals in 2016 with a defense that ranked fifth nationally in total defense.
What sets Fuqua apart is his Kentucky connection. A Danville High School alum, he starred as an All-State standout just an hour from Lexington, giving him a firsthand understanding of the state’s football culture.
That blend of expertise and local roots could prove invaluable for a program looking to solidify its defensive identity.
Fuqua’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment. With spring practice looming, he steps into a Kentucky defense that showed promise last season, but lacked the consistency to dominate SEC foes.
The timing of the hire allows Fuqua to integrate with the staff and imprint his philosophy on a roster brimming with potential. Kentucky has leaned on its defense under Stoops, and Fuqua’s addition signals a continuation of that rugged, physical brand of football.
Fuqua’s return to Kentucky isn’t just a homecoming — it’s a strategic move. As the Wildcats gear up for another grueling SEC slate, Fuqua’s presence on the sideline could be the spark that turns potential into performance. For a program steadily climbing the conference ladder, this hire feels like it could be a step closer to the top.