For Kentucky fans, the 2024 football season was full of offensive frustration. A lack of scoring and inconsistent play held the team back from accomplishing much of anything. Entering year two, Offensive Coordinator Bush Hamdan knows that can't happen again. He has a plan, a blueprint designed to fix the offense and unleash its potential. It will sound familiar to those who have been around Mark Stoops.
From managing a new quarterback to solving the mystery at wide receiver, here is exactly how Coach Hamdan plans to transform the Wildcats' offense this fall.
The mandate: "We've got to score more points"
When asked what he has to prove this season, Hamdan was blunt about the team's offensive goals, it was a real 'duh' moment.
"Well, we certainly got to play, you know, much better on offense," he stated. "We've got to score more points. Um, we've got to make sure we go out there, not beat ourselves first and foremost, play sound football... I want to see us go play, uh, utilize tempo, play fast."
This clear objective sets the tone for the entire unit as they head into the new season. But how many times has an OC under Mark Stoops said they needed to play with tempo? How many times has it actually happened?
The blueprint for a new quarterback
The offense will operate with a new signal-caller in Zach Calzada, who has been described as a "game manager" all summer long, Hamdan clarified that this role involves strategic aggression.
"Every game at the quarterback position, you got to pick and choose your battles and pick when to be aggressive, when not to be," Hamdan explained. The plan for Hamdan involves "making plays down the field when the opportunity presents itself, when it's not there, vertical runs, throwing checkdowns... always going to just come with creating that flow in our offense uh by taking what they give you."
The staff is also thrilled with Calzada's intangible qualities. "I think he's got a contagious personality," Hamdan noted. "He's uh he's a guy that's willing to put in the work... we're fortunate in that regard from a leadership standpoint."
The plan for a crowded backfield
While there are many options in the running back room, Hamdan confirmed the initial strategy. "We do think we're going to lean on the two veteran backs (Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan) with their experience and how long they've played and go from there." He specifically praised Jason Patterson for his offseason work as well.
Solving the wide receiver mystery
The wide receiver position is perhaps the biggest question mark, with the depth chart filled with "ors," indicating a heated competition where no one has fully separated from the pack.
"There hasn't been necessarily a true one in our opinion that stood out, but there's a bunch of guys that have done a nice job," Hamdan admitted. He also acknowledged the unpredictability of early-season play: "You think you have one thing and where bright lights go, certain guys hide in games and certain guys really show up in games. So, we're excited to see that and and see how fast they can go and play."
Freshman Cam Miller was highlighted as a pleasant surprise, having "had a nice camp" despite only arriving in June.
The first test: A "well-coached" opponent
Hamdan holds Kentucky's first opponent, Toledo, in high regard, calling them one of the most well-coached teams they've seen in a while, particularly highlighting their experienced secondary.
"I think the corner... is a guy that probably could have left and played a lot of different places. The safety number seven is an extremely good player as well," Hamdan observed. "They're very experienced on the back end... Staff's been together for a long, long time. It matters and, uh, we know what they can do in games like this."
"We All Got Something to Prove"
Ultimately, the theme for the 2025 Kentucky offense is redemption and proving themselves. It's not just one player or one position group; it's a collective effort.
"I think we all have something to prove, you know," Hamdan concluded. "I've got something to prove. I think the quarterbacks, every group does... We all got some to prove."
For an offense looking to establish a new, more potent identity, there's no better time to start than Saturday. The blueprint is in place, and now it's time to execute. But will they, or better yet, can they?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion