There is a very small window in college football especially at places like UK. IMO they missed their window. In year three they should have have been much better they weren't. You can sell a vision to recruits, but not for long if you don't win.
Here is the other thing go back and look at their classes they are touting they have lost several of the higher ranked recruits. Plus the higher recruits that are playing aren't living up to expectations.
Next year their schedule is not favorable and if they don't make a big step forward they could be looking at missing a bowl again.