Two standouts, two impressive journeys to Lexington
The Cats will have several players ready to impress the national audience heading into the 2025 season. Seth McGowan, Zach Calzada earn preseason award watch list and 3 Wildcats are named to the Senior Bowl top 300.
Seth McGowan named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List
Kentucky transfer running back Seth McGowan earned national recognition on August 20—landing on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, an honor for outstanding offensive players tied to Texas through high school or college.
A 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior from Mesquite, Texas (Poteet HS), McGowan brings a compelling journey to Lexington—one season each at Oklahoma (2020), Butler CC (2023), and New Mexico State (2024) before arriving in Kentucky. Over 20 Division I games (11 starts), he’s racked up 1,193 rushing yards on 210 carries (5.68 ypr), and 478 receiving yards on 36 catches, totaling 10 TDs through both ground and air.
To be eligible for the award, candidates must also embody traits like integrity, teamwork, and tenacity. McGowan’s nomination isn't just about stats—it’s recognition of the work and character behind them.
Zach Calzada named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List
Not to be outdone, Kentucky’s latest graduate QB signee, Zach Calzada, was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List on August 19.
Calzada, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound signal-caller from Buford, Georgia, has a storied path as well: Texas A&M (2019–21), a sidelined year at Auburn (2022), and then a breakout at Incarnate Word in 2023–24. Last season, he threw for 3,791 yards and 35 passing TDs, added 332 rushing yards, and earned distinctions like Walter Payton Award finalist and Southland Conference Player of the Year. He’s also completed a bachelor’s in supply chain management and an MBA, with an undergraduate business certificate underway at UK.
The Golden Arm Award spotlights upperclassmen quarterbacks excelling on and off the field—Calzada fits that mold perfectly.
Bonus recognition: Senior Bowl top 300
And just for added context—while not part of the two announcements provided—it's worth noting that UK recently had three football players named to the Senior Bowl Top 300: Joshua Braun, Ja’Mori Maclin, and Kam Olds.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premiere League soccer.