By Hayden Gooding

University of Kentucky News

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ali Kashif and Molly Bachman were crowned 2026 University of Kentucky Homecoming king and queen Wednesday night.  

Ali Kashif, from Prospect, Kentucky, is a senior neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences and also a Lewis Honors College student. He is the son of Afshan Kashif and Kashif Shahzad. Kashif serves as community development chair for DanceBlue, president of the 57 Day Blood Club, vice president of medical outreach for Student Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, and philanthropy and service chair for Sigma Nu fraternity. Across these roles, he has focused on pediatric cancer support, blood donation, humanitarian outreach and philanthropy across UK and Lexington. He also conducts research and serves as an organic chemistry peer leader. After graduation, Kashif plans to attend medical school and continue serving Kentucky. 

Molly Bachman, from Madisonville, Kentucky, is a marketing major in the Gatton College of Business and Economics with minors in both integrated strategic communication and international business. She is also a student in the Lewis Honors College. She is the daughter of Andy and Joelle Bachman. Bachman is actively involved on campus as president of the Alumni Ambassadors and overall coordinator for DanceBlue. Bachman is also a member of Chi Omega sorority, where she has held various leadership positions. She has also worked with the UK Alumni Association, gaining experience in marketing, communications and alumni engagement. Bachman is passionate about creating connections within the UK community and making a positive impact through her involvement. After graduation, Bachman hopes to pursue a career in marketing and social media. 

The crowning of the UK Homecoming king and queen took place during the Homecoming Royalty Showcase at the Gatton Student Center. This event gives the entire UK Homecoming court the opportunity to be celebrated in one place with friends, family and the campus community.  Also being recognized at the Homecoming Royalty Showcase are registered student organizations who nominated Homecoming court candidates.

In addition to the showcase, the court will be featured throughout the week on social media and will also be recognized during Keeneland’s Big Blue Day and the Homecoming Alumni Tailgate. The 2026 Homecoming king and queen will be recognized at Saturday night’s UK vs. LSU football game at Kroger Field. A framed photo of this year’s court will also be displayed in the Center for Student Involvement trophy case in the UK Gatton Student Center  until next year’s court is selected. 

The other finalists for Homecoming king and queen include: 

Michaiah Andresen, from Madisonville, Kentucky, a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is the son of Lanie Brown and Josh Andresen. His time at UK is highlighted by extracurricular involvement combined with academic exploration. Anderesen has served as president of Phi Delta Epsilon, vice president of Kentucky Rural Health Association’s UK chapter and DanceBlue Adopt-A-Family captain and contributed to cancer research through the Markey STRONG Scholars Program. Outside of class, he enjoys watching movies, game nights and spending time with friends. After graduation, Andresen plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician, with hopes of serving communities throughout Kentucky. 

Duff Green, from Wilmington, North Carolina, a senior architecture major in the College of Design. He is the son of Sam and Beth Green. At UK, he is involved with the American Institute of Architecture Students and serves as an Alumni Ambassador. Outside the studio, Green enjoys fishing, skiing and spending time with friends.

Cole Ledweg, from Louisville, a digital media design major in the College of Fine Arts, as well as a minor in art history and pursuing a certificate in filmmaking and creative writing. Ledweg is the son of LeAnn and Jeremy Ledweg. He has developed experience in branding, publication design, digital media and promotional materials through academic projects and professional design work. He plans to continue his education after graduation and attend graduate school in design and pursue a career in the creative industry. 

John Maggard Staton, from Olive Hill, Kentucky, a senior public health major in the College of Public Health, and pursuing certificates in health communication, social change and clinical healthcare management. He is the son of Stacy Fountain and William Staton. Throughout his time at UK, Staton has dedicated himself to leadership, service and advocacy through organizations and serves as the College of Public Health senator in Student Government Association. As a first-generation student from Eastern Kentucky, Staton is passionate about representing his community and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. He plans to pursue a career as a malpractice attorney. 

Kennedi Fishback, from Lexington, pursuing degrees in political science and law and justice, in the College of Arts and Sciences, and criminal justice, in the College of Social Work, with a certificate in peace studies. Fishback is the daughter of Kendrick and Brandi Fishback. She is a Lewis Honors College student, Honors College Ambassador and Criminal Justice Ambassador. Fishback is the immediate past chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, inaugural president of Alpha Phi Sigma and founder and president of PoliSci Pals. She has completed multiple competitive internships across government, legislative affairs, public policy, political campaigns and civic engagement.

Carter Franklin, from Louisville, a senior majoring in international studies and Spanish in the College of Arts and Sciences, with a minor in political science. She is the daughter of Woody and Cathleen Franklin. Franklin serves as UK’s Student Government Association (SGA) vice president, having previously worked as the SGA director of civic engagement. She pursues interdisciplinary research as a fellow at the Gaines Center for the Humanities and is a Lewis Honors College student. Franklin is an active member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she formerly served as vice president. Following a summer internship in Washington, D.C., she plans to pursue a career in public service after graduation.

Hannah Karimi, of Longmont, Colorado, a senior pursuing a degree in applied economics in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. She is the daughter of Susan and Ramin Karimi. She serves as president of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, vice president of the Economics Society, an undergraduate teaching assistant and student coordinator and tutor for Gatton College’s LEAP Economics Tutoring Lab. Karimi has also worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Department of Economics. Through her involvement at UK, Karimi has developed a passion for leadership, mentorship, research and supporting fellow students. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics and a career in research and teaching.

Katie Beth London, from Cave City, Kentucky, pursuing four majors in finance, accounting, economics and management in the Gatton College of Business and Economics and a Lewis Honors College student. She currently serves as president of Kentucky Women in Finance, tutors in the Accounting LEAP Lab and is a resident advisor in Lewis Hall. Outside of campus, London has a passion for agriculture and loves returning home to her family farm in Cave City, where she keeps several beehives. In her free time, she enjoys playing music, especially the piano, guitar and mountain dulcimer.