Mark Stoops makes the pragmatic choice at quarterback, naming the veteran transfer his starter. But for Big Blue Nation, all eyes are still on the future with Cutter Boley.
In a move that surprised absolutely no one paying attention, Mark Stoops has officially named Zach Calzada the starting quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats' season opener against Toledo; this according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. While a significant portion of Big Blue Nation has been clamoring for the Cutter Boley era to begin, this outcome was, from the start, a foregone conclusion.
For Kentucky football, the decision is less about the here-and-now of one game and more about the modern politics of college football. It’s about promises made, future recruiting, and the simple reality of roster management in the Transfer Portal era. That is why this was the only move to make.
The inevitable decision: The politics of the portal
Let's be clear: You don't bring in a seventh-year senior quarterback for his final season of eligibility and ask him to hold a clipboard. It just doesn't happen. When Kentucky secured Zach Calzada’s commitment from the portal, the deal was implicitly sealed. Starting him Week 1 was the only path forward.
Failing to do so would send a catastrophic message to any future transfers considering Lexington. It would signal that commitments from the staff are flimsy and that a player could be recruited for a key role only to be sidelined for a developing prospect. In an era where programs live and die by the portal, that’s a reputation you simply can’t afford. Mark Stoops isn't just married to Calzada for the Toledo game; he's locked into this decision to protect the long-term health of his program's recruiting efforts.
The fan favorite in waiting
This doesn’t mean the excitement around Cutter Boley is misplaced. The Lexington Christian Academy product is everything you want in a future franchise quarterback. He’s a 4-star local kid with a cannon for an arm and the swagger to match. We all saw the flashes of brilliance last year when he was thrust into action against a formidable Texas defense, showing poise beyond his years.
Cutter Boley vs. Texas (2024)
- CMP/ATT: 10/18
- Yards: 160
- TD/INT: 0/1
But he’s also still a redshirt freshman. The history of quarterback development under Stoops has been a revolving door of offensive coordinators—from Neal Brown and Shannon Dawson to Eddie Gran and Liam Coen. While Bush Hamdan now holds the reins and may change that narrative, the fact remains that a young QB needs time. Rushing Boley onto the field before he's ready could do more harm than good. This season, his most important snaps will come on the practice field, not on Saturdays. At least for now. That may change over the season.
What Calzada brings to the offense
While he may not be the exciting new name, Zach Calzada is a proven commodity with a wealth of experience, including in the SEC. His time at Incarnate Word was nothing short of dominant, where he showcased his ability to lead a high-powered offense.
Zach Calzada at Incarnate Word (2023-2024)
- Record: 17-5
- Passing Yards: 6,342
- Passing Touchdowns: 54
That level of production is exactly what Stoops and Hamdan were shopping for in the portal: a steady, veteran hand to guide the offense while the next generation develops behind him. He has the experience to manage games and the arm talent to make every throw necessary to win in this league.
The audition for 2026 begins now
So, what happens if the season hits a rough patch? Based on the team's performance over the last couple of years, it’s a realistic possibility. Should Kentucky stumble, the calls for Boley will grow deafening, and at that point, a switch might make sense.
If and when that happens, it will effectively become an audition year for Boley. He’ll get his shot to prove he’s the undisputed future in Lexington. It’s a high-stakes tryout—one that will determine if his future is as the long-term starter for the Wildcats or, in the cold reality of modern college football, for another program via the transfer portal. Remember, Calzada is a on year rental.
For now, though, this is Zach Calzada’s team. The decision was predictable, pragmatic, and—for the stability of the program—necessary.
Mark Stoops is expected to speak with the media around noon today. We will have full coverage and analysis of his remarks.
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 Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion