Mark Stoops has never had a 3,000 yard passer with Kentucky football
Mark Stoops has built Kentucky football into a consistent, bowl-caliber program. He’s produced NFL talent, ended some nasty streaks like the Florida conecutive loss streak, and made Lexington a tougher stop on the SEC circuit; at least until 2022. But there’s one stat that keeps hanging over him like an annoying raincloud, in 12 seasons, Stoops has never had a 3,000-yard passer. Not even a 2900 yard passer.
Not once.
Will Levis came the closest in 2021 with 2,827 yards. Devin Leary wasn’t far behind during his lone season in the Blue and White with 2,746. But the rest? Nowhere near it. Every other SEC program during Stoops’ tenure has had at least one quarterback hit the 3K mark. Even Vanderbilt.
Enter Zach Calzada, nicknamed “The Cuban Missile.” In 2023 at Incarnate Word, Calzada put up video-game numbers: 2,598 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a conference newcomer award. He followed it up in 2024 with an eye-popping 3,744 yards and 35 touchdowns. That’s nearly 1,000 yards better than Levis’ best season in Lexington.
The talent is obvious. Calzada can sling it deep, move in the pocket, and isn’t afraid to take shots downfield — something Kentucky fans have begged to see more of. But will Stoops and 2nd year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan let him cut loose? Or will this offense get back in the low-possession, grind-it-out mold Stoops loves? We're betting on the latter.
Cutter Boley, the talented redshirt freshman, is waiting in the wings. If Calzada falters, Boley could get a shot. But for now, the streak is Calzada’s to break.
If the Cuban Missile can stay healthy and the receivers step up, Stoops may finally cross that 3,000-yard threshold. And if he does, it won’t just be a number — it could mean Kentucky’s offense has finally evolved.