Through the first two games of the 2025 season, the Kentucky Wildcats’ offense was searching for an identity. After a much-needed 48-23 victory over Eastern Michigan, some of that identity is starting to take shape, thanks to a few key players who provided a significant spark.
As Mark Stoops and his staff head into the bye week, the film will show that getting the ball into the hands of certain playmakers is the clearest path to success. Here are three players who have unequivocally earned more snaps as the Wildcats prepare for their SEC slate.
The obvious answer: QB Cutter Boley
Let's start with the elephant in the room. The switch from Zach Calzada to redshirt freshman Cutter Boley wasn't just a personnel change; it was an energy transfusion for the entire offense. While Calzada was a serviceable game manager, the offense lacked the vertical threat needed to compete in the SEC. And some of that may have been Calzada playing the way the staff asked him to. Remember before the season he was talking about how he did not need to be Superman but Clark Kent.
Boley’s performance against EMU (13-of-24 for 278 yards and two touchdowns) was far from perfect, but it was explosive. He showed a willingness to push the ball downfield and displayed the arm talent that made him a four-star recruit. Kroger Field erupted with every big play, signaling a fan base desperate for the home-state kid to succeed. The connection he showed with his tight ends, particularly Willy Rodriguez, offers a glimpse of a dynamic and sustainable passing attack. The bye week will be crucial for his development, but the starting job should now be his to lose.
The future at running back: Jason Patterson
Kentucky has a wealth of riches at running back with Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell, both who have over 200 yards on the season. But the performance of Jason Patterson against the Eagles cannot be ignored. While it came against a porous run defense, Patterson’s 86 yards on 13 carries showcased a decisive, powerful running style.
He demonstrated excellent vision and the ability to turn small gains into positive yardage. While McGowan remains the lead back, integrating Patterson more frequently will be key for two reasons. First, it keeps all backs fresh for a grueling second-half schedule. Second, it provides crucial experience for a player who looks poised to become a feature back in 2026. The more reps he gets now, the better prepared he'll be for that future role.
The emerging go-to target: TE Willy Rodriguez
With Josh Kattus already established as a reliable pass-catcher, the emergence of sophomore Willy Rodriguez gives Kentucky a formidable one-two punch at tight end. After three games, Rodriguez has already hauled in eight catches and is becoming a favorite security blanket for the young Cutter Boley.
Their connection is palpable on the field, and off as they are roommates. On several key downs against EMU, Boley looked for Rodriguez, who rewarded his quarterback’s trust with tough, chain-moving receptions. As a sophomore, his development is paramount. Fostering the Boley-to-Rodriguez connection during the bye week could create a cornerstone of the Kentucky offense for the next few seasons. He’s proven he’s more than just a secondary option; he’s earned the right to be a primary read in the passing game.
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Jordan Owens is a contributor to Wildcat Blue Nation and a lifelong UK fanatic who has watched every UK game since 1995. Jordan is no stranger to college athletics as a former college athlete. Jordan brings a unique mix of fandom and insight that helps make WBN the go-to source for all of your Kentucky news. Find him on X here.