U.S. Department of Education shares social media graphic featuring University of Kentucky football hours before UK’s loss to Tennessee

The U.S. Department of Education posted a social media graphic featuring University of Kentucky football imagery hours before Kentucky’s game against Tennessee on Saturday, according to a report from WKYT published Nov. 9, 2026.

The report says the federal agency’s post included a Kentucky football-related design and was shared on its social media channels within hours of the in-state program’s scheduled matchup with the Volunteers. WKYT also described the image as a “Department of Ed Making College Football Great Again” post, referencing the language displayed on the graphic.

The graphic’s timing drew attention because the University of Kentucky football program is not connected to the Department of Education’s core functions such as student financial aid oversight, education policy, or compliance enforcement. Instead, the post appeared to use college football branding in a federal communications format.

WKYT’s story includes the accompanying image that was circulated by the Department of Education. The report frames the post as being sent “hours before” the loss to Tennessee, placing the federal social media activity close to the live sports event window.

Department of Education postings are part of how the agency communicates with the public, including through social media channels. However, the use of a sports-themed graphic featuring a specific university team can raise questions among observers about the appropriateness and consistency of federal agency messaging with statutory education-related responsibilities.