The Transfer Portal doesn't sleep, and neither should Kentucky after news broke that Mark Stoops and Mitch Barnhart were discussing a buyout.
With Mark Stoops out, current QB Cutter Boley admitted his future is uncertain, noting his "close relationship" with both Mark Stoops and Bush Hamdan, neither of whom will be on the staff in 2026. If Boley enters the portal, Kentucky needs a plan. They don't need to be caught waiting around and finding something at the last minute.
Here are three dream Coach + Quarterback pairings that could become reality in Lexington sooner rather than later.
1. Will Stein + LaNorris Sellers
Sellers had a rough year at South Carolina, battling injuries and underwhelming production. But the talent is undeniable. Stein’s offense at Oregon turned Bo Nix into a Heisman finalist and got Dillon Gabriel to the NFL, and Dante Moore isn't looking too bad this year. Stein loves mobile pocket passers, and Sellers might look at what Stein did for Moore and see the perfect rehabilitation spot for his NFL dreams.
2. Brian Hartline + Lincoln Kienholz
If Hartline comes home to Kentucky, he might bring his own quarterback. Kienholz was the No. 11 QB in the 2023 class but is stuck behind Julian Sayin in Columbus. He knows Hartline’s system, he has redshirted, and he has two years of eligibility. He is a plug-and-play starter who could thrive instantly.
3. Mike Shanahan + DJ Lagway
This is the big swing. DJ Lagway is almost certainly leaving Florida after the Billy Napier disaster. His freshman year was rocky, but his arm talent is generational. Mike Shanahan (Indiana OC) has helped Kurtis Rourke turn into a star and Fernando Mendoze into a potential Heisman winner. A full offseason with Shanahan could smooth out Lagway’s mechanics and unleash one of the best deep balls in the sport.
Stay tuned here to this page for any and all breaking news. Micah 7:7.