2025 Kentucky football post-Spring two-deep depth chart prediction: A new era begins in Lexington

After a spring full of change, Kentucky football fans are hungry for answers. Here’s an in-depth look at who will take the field in 2025—and which stars could define the Wildcats' future.
University of Kentucky wide receiver Darius Cannon makes his way around a defender during spring football practice on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
University of Kentucky wide receiver Darius Cannon makes his way around a defender during spring football practice on Saturday, April 6, 2024. | Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Spring is over. The dust has settled. And for Kentucky football fans, one question now matters most: Who’s next?

With new faces, transfer firepower, and a retooled roster bursting with potential, the 2025 Wildcats look like a program on the edge of something special. Whether that means breaking out in the SEC or simply finding new heroes, this fall’s success will hinge on who lines up where.

Here’s our expert prediction for Kentucky’s two-deep depth chart entering the 2025 season.

Offense

Quarterback
Starter: Zach Calzada (Gr.)
Backup: Cutter Boley (R-Fr.)

Why Calzada? The Kentucky kid and the future Boley will have to wait one more year. Calzada wouldn't transfer to Kentucky unless he had an insight shot at the starting job.

Running Back
Starter: Dante Dowdell (Jr.)
Backup: Jamarion Wilcox (So.)

Dowdell’s physical style adds thunder to the backfield, while Wilcox is the lightning. The one-two punch gives Kentucky a blend of SEC power and game-breaking speed. Stoops like having the pounding running game which gives Dowdell the go ahead.

Wide Receiver
X Receiver: Ja'Mori Maclin (Sr.)
Backup: Fred Farrier II (Sr.)

Z Receiver: Kendrick Law (Sr.)
Backup: DJ Miller (Fr.)

Slot: Troy Stellato (Sr.)
Backup: Montavin Quisenberry (Fr.)

Maclin is a proven deep threat, Law brings Alabama pedigree, and Stellato is the safety valve. But don’t sleep on freshman Quisenberry—he might be Kentucky’s next playmaker.

Tight End
Starter: Josh Kattus (Sr.)
Backup: Willie Rodriguez (So.)

A true SEC bruiser, Kattus sets the tone up front. Rodriguez offers a more dynamic pass-catching option as Kentucky evolves its offense.

Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Malachi Wood (So.)
Backup: Darrin Strey (Fr.)

Left Guard: Aba Selm (R-Fr.)
Backup: Jalen Farmer (Jr.)

Center: Jager Burton (Sr.)
Backup: Kyle Mixon (So.)

Right Guard: Joshua Braun (Gr.)
Backup: Tino Merlo (Jr.)

Right Tackle: Shiyazh Pete (Sr.)
Backup: Hayes Johnson (R-Fr.)

Burton anchors a line with elite experience and upside. The right side could be the best in the SEC if Braun and Pete stay healthy.

Defense

Defensive Line
Defensive End: David Gusta (Sr.)
Backup: Brian Robinson (R-Fr.)

Nose Tackle: Austin Ramsey (So.)
Backup: Jackson Bunn (Jr.)

Defensive End: Landyn Watson (Sr.)
Backup: Sam Greene (So.)

A lot of new faces will be asked to do a lot of heavy lifting in the front 7, especially along the defensive line.

Outside Linebacker
Starter: Kam Olds (Sr.)
Backup: Steven Soles Jr. (So.)

Olds brings size and experience to the edge, with Soles flashing real upside this spring.

Inside Linebackers
Will Linebacker: Alex Afari Jr. (Sr.)
Backup: Grant Godfrey (So.)

Mike Linebacker: Daveren Rayner (Sr.)
Backup: Quintavion Norman (R-Fr.)

Afari is the heartbeat of the defense—versatile, tough, and explosive. Rayner’s leadership and Godfrey’s speed give Kentucky an extra demension.

Cornerbacks
CB1: Jonquis “JQ” Hardaway (Sr.)
Backup: DJ Waller Jr. (Jr.)

CB2: Jantzen Dunn (Sr.)
Backup: Kevis Thomas (Jr.)

Veteran transfers like Hardaway and Dunn anchor the secondary. Waller is long, physical, and could start by midseason.

Safeties
Free Safety: Jordan Lovett (Sr.)
Backup: Cam Dooley (So.)

Strong Safety: Ty Bryant (Jr.)
Backup: Terhyon Nichols (So.)

Lovett and Bryant both play fast and smart—exactly what Kentucky needs in a conference stacked with elite passing attacks.

Special Teams
Kicker: Jacob Kauwe (possibly the best kept secret on the roster)

Punter: Aidan Laros (Sr.)

Long Snapper: David LaGanga (Jr.)

Final thoughts: A team with a chip and a chance

There’s no denying Kentucky football enters 2025 with question marks, big ones. But that’s exactly what makes this season so exciting. Maybe last year's horrendous season is the fire Stoops needed lit under him. If that happens, this team is built to surprise people.

Maybe even themselves.