The 1998 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky as a member of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by second-year head coach Hal Mumme, the Wildcats compiled an overall record of 7âÂÂ5 with a mark of 4âÂÂ4 in conference place, placing fourth in the SEC's Eastern Division. Kentucky was invited to the Outback Bowl, where the Wildcats lost to Penn State. The team played home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.
Quarterback Tim Couch was the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Couch led Kentucky to a win on the road at No. 21 LSU. In the Outback Bowl, he completed 30 of 48 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. The Wildcats beat Louisville to claim the Governor's Cup.