After another ineffective performance and a late-game injury, the door is wide open for Cutter Boley to take over as Kentucky's QB1.
The final stat line for Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada in the loss to Ole Miss—15 for 30 for 149 yards—tells part of the story, but it doesn't capture the visible frustration, the miscommunication, and the overall lack of offensive rhythm that has defined the start of the 2025 season. And now, a few pointed words from head coach Mark Stoops may have signaled the end of Calzada's short tenure as the undisputed starter.
While Calzada’s 149 yards were an improvement over his meager 85-yard performance against Toledo in Week 1, the offense was once again stagnant. A 50% completion rate, coupled with just 9 rushing yards on 4 carries, wasn't nearly enough to threaten the Ole Miss defense. Throughout the game, Calzada looked unsettled, often taking excessively deep dropbacks in the pocket—a sign of a quarterback who doesn't trust his protection to give him time to operate. These potential negative-yardage plays are killers for a Kentucky offense that relies on staying on schedule.
Late in the game, Calzada went down with a shoulder injury, opening the door for true freshman Cutter Boley. Though Boley's stats were minimal (1 of 3 for 38 yards), the ABC broadcast team noted that the offense seemed to have a different energy with him on the field, commenting that he "ooked more comfortable in his limited snaps than Calzada has all season. Boley also showed mobility, outrushing Calzada with 14 yards on 4 carries.
However, the most significant development came after the game. When asked about the quarterback situation, particularly in light of Calzada's injury, Stoops was direct. "I want to see Cutter, yes," he stated, leaving little room for interpretation.
That's not a coach protecting his injured starter. That's a coach publicly opening the door for a change. It implies that regardless of Calzada's health status, Boley will get a serious look, and likely significant playing time, against Eastern Michigan.
For Calzada, it has to be a disappointing turn. He came to Kentucky looking for a fresh start, but the fit has been questionable from the beginning. In our unofficial grading system, his performance improved from an 'F' in Week 1 to a 'D' against Ole Miss. That simply isn't good enough. While the NIL money might soften the blow, you have to wonder if he's rethinking his decision.
Thanks to his coach's post-game remarks, he may not have a choice in the matter for much longer.
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. Psalm 121:7-8.#UpTheAlbion