Kentucky football appears poised to secure its first quarterback commitment of the transfer portal season; with former Auburn, Texas A&M, and Incarnate Word (UIW) signal-caller Zach Calzada predicted to choose the Wildcats.
Put in a Crystal Ball pick in favor of Kentucky for Incarnate Word QB transfer Zach Calzada. I like where the Wildcats sit in this one with Calzada currently on a visit.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) December 18, 2024
The former Texas A&M and Auburn passer threw for 3,744 yards and 35 TDs this year. https://t.co/JIHrhDmO6i pic.twitter.com/pgKmktesyb
Calzada, who did not see the field during his time at Auburn, has had an intriguing career trajectory. He played two seasons at Texas A&M, where he threw for over 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021. He later transferred to UIW, where he significantly improved, completing 66.4% of his passes in 2023 for 2,598 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Then improved further in 2024 with 3,744 yards 35 tds and 9 ints, to go along with 332 yards rushing and 5 tds. Across his college career, Calzada has totaled 8,660 passing yards, 73 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions with a career passer rating of 141.4.
Yea u got another year to hate on me Robert🤣💪🏼
— Zach Calzada (@zach_calzada) December 17, 2024
UIW has recently gained attention for its quarterback development. Cam Ward, who thrived at UIW before transferring to Washington State and later the Miami Hurricanes, is a testament to the program’s success in preparing quarterbacks for higher levels of competition. Kentucky fans hope Calzada can bring similar growth to Lexington.
I can just imagine a world in which Former Aggie QB Zach Calzada + Former Aggie Head Coach Mark Stoops beat Texas in Lexington next season.
— Ryan McColley-Perez (@RyanMcColley) December 18, 2024
Would be all-time stuff 😂 https://t.co/xZreq1wI9T pic.twitter.com/dYjCx700sL
However, not all fans are sold on this potential addition. While Calzada offers dual-threat capabilities, evident from his 11 career rushing touchdowns, concerns remain about his ability to elevate Kentucky’s offense. The Wildcats hosted Duke’s Maalik Murphy, a more traditional pocket passer, on a recent visit but seem to be leaning toward Calzada’s versatility.
Please do not choose Zach Calzada over Maalik Murphy, @UKCoachStoops
— The Kentucky Network (@KentuckyNet) December 17, 2024
What this move means for Kentucky’s highly-touted redshirt freshman Cutter Boley remains unclear. Boley is viewed as the future of the Wildcats' offense by all the fans, but Calzada’s addition could impact his development and playing time at least in the immediate. Will he choose to stay and sit his redshirt Freshman year behind a transfer portal rental?
No one does it like @zach_calzada #TheWord | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/Wkp2akSYpn
— UIW Football (@UIWFootball) October 20, 2024
For now, Kentucky’s staff must address broader concerns about offensive skill positions to complete the rebuild. Securing Calzada is a step in the process for Stoops and company, but the Wildcats have work to do to convince fans that this move will bring success on the field.