A Crowded but Intriguing QB Room
As Kentucky football gears up for spring practice, the biggest storyline centers around the quarterback position. The Wildcats have a mix of experience, talent, and potential, but the battle for the starting job remains wide open. With spring practice set to begin, all eyes are on Zach Calzada, Cutter Boley, Beau Allen, and Brennen Ward to see who emerges as the leader of the offense.
The Veteran: Zach Calzada
When Kentucky landed Zach Calzada as a graduate transfer, it sent a clear message: Mark Stoops wants experience under center. Calzada has taken a winding road to Lexington, playing at Texas A&M, Auburn, and Incarnate Word before arriving at Kentucky for his final season of eligibility.
His most notable stretch came in 2021, when he stepped in for an injured Haynes King at Texas A&M and led the Aggies to a stunning upset of No. 1 Alabama. That season, he threw for 2,185 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 10 starts. After brief stints at Auburn and Incarnate Word, he revived his career in 2023, throwing for 3,744 yards, 35 touchdowns, and nine picks while completing 65.5% of his passes.
Calzada's ability to produce at a high level—especially in a pass-heavy system—offers promise. If he can replicate his Incarnate Word success in the SEC, Kentucky’s offense could take a significant leap forward. The Wildcats have never had a 3,000-yard passer under Mark Stoops, but Calzada has the arm talent and experience to break that trend. But Bush Hamdan may have other plans with a run heavy approach looking most likely.
The Future: Cutter Boley
The other major contender for the starting job is Cutter Boley, a former four-star recruit with offers from nearly every major program. Boley made brief appearances last season, completing 26 of 53 passes for 338 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Despite the modest numbers, Boley has shown flashes of why he was such a highly sought-after prospect. He possesses a strong arm, good size (6'5", 210 lbs), and a natural feel for the game. He also carries confidence, having spoken about wanting to achieve something special at Kentucky. But the interceptions thrown in the Lousiville game put a damper on the coronation.
While Boley is considered the future of the program, the question is whether that future begins this season. If he impresses in spring practice, Stoops could have a tough decision on his hands.
The Returnee: Beau Allen
A familiar name to Kentucky fans, Beau Allen was once a hometown hero when he initially signed with the Wildcats. After transferring to Georgia Southern and Tarleton State, Allen returned to Kentucky as a transfer last year and will play out his Covid extended year at Kentucky as a grad student.
At Tarleton State in 2022, he threw for 2,836 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning WAC Newcomer of the Year honors. While he isn’t expected to win the starting job, his experience and knowledge of the program make him a valuable depth piece.
The Wild Card: Brennen Ward
Incoming freshman Brennen Ward isn’t expected to compete for the starting job immediately, but he’s a name to watch for the future. The three-star recruit from Ohio put up strong high school numbers, throwing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games as a senior. He’s likely to redshirt this season, but his development will be something to track long-term.
Who Has the Edge?
With Calzada’s experience and one year of eligibility remaining, he appears to have the inside track for the starting job. Kentucky didn’t bring him in as a grad transfer to sit on the bench, and his ability to stretch the field could make him the best option.
Boley, however, is the biggest threat to push him. If the young quarterback takes a major step forward this spring, Stoops may decide to roll with his quarterback of the future now rather than later.
Ward is likely to redshirt, while Allen serves as a veteran third option. However, with the transfer portal always looming, the loser of the battle between Calzada and Boley could look elsewhere for playing time before the season begins.
What’s Next?
With no official word on a Spring Game yet, it remains to be seen how much fans will get to see of this quarterback battle before the fall. Stoops has expressed interest in holding one, but plans haven’t been finalized.
For now, the competition remains tight-lipped, as is typical under Stoops. But one thing is clear—Kentucky’s quarterback room is deeper and more intriguing than it has been in years. Whether it’s Calzada’s experience, Boley’s upside, or a surprise contender, this battle will shape the Wildcats’ 2025 season in a big way.