The quarterback landscape at Kentucky took another dramatic shift as head coach Mark Stoops announced that freshman Cutter Boley will now lead the offense as the starting quarterback, with Gavin Wimsatt moving into the QB2 role per Aaron Gershon. Brock Vandagriff, the former 5-star high school recruit who transferred from Georgia and started the season as QB1, has been officially demoted following weeks of inconsistency.
Boley’s rapid rise comes as no surprise to many within the program. The freshman has shown flashes of poise, arm strength, and decision-making that the Wildcats have been searching for all season. While Boley’s learning curve may still be steep, the coaching staff is betting on his potential to rejuvenate a struggling Kentucky offense and to try to keep the fans on board next season.
Gavin Wimsatt will be UK's QB2 today behind Cutter Boley.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) November 30, 2024
For Gavin Wimsatt, who had a limited role this season after transferring from Rutgers, the promotion to backup raises a critical question: Will he stay in Lexington? With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly common route for quarterbacks seeking more opportunities, Wimsatt’s future with the Wildcats is uncertain. After enduring ups and downs in his collegiate career thus far, another potential bench role may prompt him to explore other options.
As for Vandagriff, the former five-star recruit’s demotion is a stark reminder of the high stakes and expectations in SEC football. After failing to meet the demands of Kentucky’s offense, his future at Kentucky also remains in doubt. He was recruited by Liam Coen, who left the program before the season, but Brock decided to stick it out.
He never looked comfortable in the offense, and I am not sure Hamdan did him any favors with some lackluster playcalling. Either way, the program’s pivot to younger talent like Boley sends a clear message: development and performance will determine playing time.
The decision to restructure the quarterback depth chart is pivotal as Kentucky seeks to salvage its season with a win against Louisville. The Wildcats hope that Boley’s leadership will not only provide a spark on the field but also stabilize an offense in need of consistency. Meanwhile, fans will need to stick here as we detail all the craziness that is transfer portal season.