Quarterback Brock Vandagriff performed in 11 video games for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2024. He then retired with one 12 months of eligibility remaining although Kentucky wished him again below heart in 2025.
He misplaced the zest for enjoying quarterback, so Kentucky was pressured to seek out another choice this previous offseason.
The Wildcats turned to Incarnate Phrase grad switch quarterback Zach Calzada to fill the void. In addition they really feel superb about redshirt freshman Cutter Boley heading into the autumn. Boley is a former four-star recruit.
In the end, although, head coach Mark Stoops revealed that if the season have been to start out as we speak, Calzada would get the nod because the starter.
“If there was a recreation tomorrow, Zach could be below heart, however this complete depth chart goes to maneuver earlier than — nicely, not the entire depth chart, but it surely’s all open to maneuver by the primary recreation,” Stoops stated at a information convention on Monday (h/t On3). “We now have numerous practices to undergo.”
Going with Calzada is smart for Kentucky.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback from Buford, Georgia, is coming off two seasons at Incarnate Phrase that noticed him throw for six,342 yards and 54 touchdowns (18 interceptions) whereas additionally dashing for 10 touchdowns on the bottom.
He was a Walter Payton Award finalist, which is an award given to one of the best participant on the FCS degree yearly. Calzada additionally has beginning expertise within the SEC.
He signed with Texas A&M out of highschool and in the end performed in 15 video games for the Aggies, beginning 10.
Notably, in a win over No. 1 Alabama in 2021, his redshirt sophomore season, Calzada threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns and was named the SEC Offensive Participant of the Week. Calzada transferred to Auburn for the 2022 season however didn’t play resulting from harm. He then went to Incarnate Ward.
Calzada has confirmed to have the ability to get it carried out within the SEC, and he took virtually all of the first-team reps in open viewing classes throughout spring ball.
Boley could in the end have the upper upside, however he lacks the expertise, so it is smart that Stoops and Kentucky need to go along with the seventh-year senior a season after going 4-8.
Stoops has to get the Wildcats again on the profitable observe.
