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Who is the future Kentucky football QB? Looking into the 2026 recruiting class

By Drew Holbrook

Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops greets fans at Cat Walk before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops greets fans at Cat Walk before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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We’ve all seen Kentucky's QB play this season, and it’s clear: it’s not good enough. One theory that’s gaining traction amongst fans is that Liam Coen originally recruited Brock Vandagriff to fit his offensive scheme, which differs vastly from what Bush Hamdan is now running. Brock would not have been the guy had Hamdan made the call. This raises the question: why hire an offensive coordinator who doesn’t complement your prized transfer portal recruit?

You also have to ask yourself: what kind of QB is Bush Hamdan looking for? Let’s look at the 2026 recruiting class and get a glimpse of the players UK is targeting. Notably, 2025 recruits Stone Saunders and Brennen Ward were primarily recruited under Liam Coen, as Hamdan didn’t join the staff until mid-February.

1. Troy Huhn- California

Hamdan's most high-profile QB target was Troy Huhn. However, Kentucky wasn’t in serious contention for long, as Huhn committed to Penn State just two weeks after receiving an offer from Kentucky. Known for his massive arm, Huhn shows his physicality on film and stands tall at 6'2".

2. Luke Fahey- California

Fahey brings a dual-threat element, contrasting Huhn’s style. Though a bit smaller at 6'0", Fahey also boasts a big arm. His recruitment status is currently low-profile, though he recently visited Ole Miss.

3. Jackson Taylor- California

Standing 6'0", Taylor is another QB who combines pocket presence with mobility. While not a traditional running quarterback like Lamar Jackson, he’s effective at buying time in the pocket and can scramble if needed. No frontrunner has emerged in his recruitment.

4. Cam O'Hara- Kentucky

O'Hara resembles Huhn in both size (6'2") and playing style. A natural pocket passer, he’s capable of running but always looks to throw first. Like most others on the list, recruitment is wide open.

5. Kane Archer- Arkansas

Archer, a slightly taller 6'0", is more of a pure pocket passer at this stage, with a strong arm that allows him to excel in deep throws.

6. Ely Hamrick- North Carolina

At 6'4", Hamrick is the tallest QB on this list. While his accuracy is a bit inconsistent, his arm strength is stellar. He’s committed to UVA.

7. Gavin Owens- Georgia

Owens stands tall at 6'4" and is another classic pocket passer with a strong arm. He’s been asked to throw more than most QBs on this list. Currently, though, no school has led his recruitment.

8. Bryshawn Brown-Ohio

At a towering 6'6", Brown has an impressive arm that needs refinement. As with many younger QBs, he’s still developing his accuracy. His recruitment remains open with no frontrunner.

These eight QBs, two of whom have already committed, reveal Hamdan’s preference: QBs with big arms who can stay in the pocket but have the versatility to run when called on. Sound familiar? It’s the same type of profile Brock Vandagriff brings; maybe that theory about him not fitting doesn't hold up. Could that just be an excuse for poor play-calling?

So, which of these QBs would you most like to see wearing Kentucky blue if you were Hamdan?

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