Freshman Cutter Boley gets the start as Mark Stoops searches for hope in Kentucky football’s future

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face their in-state rivals, the Louisville Cardinals, with a bold move and an eye to the future: starting true freshman quarterback Cutter Boley. Head coach Mark Stoops made the decision after seeing a shift in Boley’s approach during practice, citing his focus, seriousness, and desire to excel as reasons for giving the young quarterback a shot.

Stoops praised Boley’s development over the season, saying, “A little light went on for him. Part of that is opportunity—it’s hard to get those guys reps. But we’ve made a point to get him practice time". The timing was critical, with Boley receiving additional attention during Kentucky’s bye week, a period Stoops used to focus on developing younger players and see what they have in the depth chart.

Boley, a highly regarded recruit, entered the season under a redshirt plan, an idea discussed during his recruitment from Stoops. However, with Kentucky’s offensive struggles throughout 2024, Stoops saw an opportunity to let the freshman lead the offense.

Boley’s 2024 stats reflect limited playing time but promising potential: 20 completions on 38 attempts for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s demonstrated a solid 7.6 yards-per-attempt average and a long throw of 43 yards, indicating his ability to stretch the field, which is key for this offense going forward.

For Stoops, the decision to start Boley also underscores the challenges of balancing player development with team performance. “We have good players, but it’s very difficult to get them reps,” Stoops admitted. Now, Boley gets his chance in the season’s biggest game, with the Wildcats hoping his fresh energy and composure can spark a strong finish despite a lackluster season.

As Kentucky fans look ahead, Boley’s performance against Louisville could provide a glimpse of the future, one that promises a quarterback who is serious about greatness and prepared to lead Big Blue Nation to something special.