2025 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview
Coaching and Expectations
Mark Stoops returns for his 13th season at the helm of the Kentucky Wildcats, seeking to restore stability after a rough 2024. Having built a reputation as a program builder and defensive mastermind, Stoops is now in the midst of another transitional phase as the Wildcats aim to rebound from a disappointing year. Despite the downturn, Stoops’ long tenure signals faith in his leadership.
2024 in Review: A Major Setback
Last season was anything but smooth for the Wildcats. They limped to a 4-8 finish, marking their worst performance in over a decade and ending a three-season stretch of winning records. The lone bright spot came in a stunning upset victory over then-No. 6 Ole Miss—a win that showcased the team’s potential, albeit fleetingly.
The offense was particularly underwhelming, especially in the passing game. Georgia transfer and former five-star recruit Brock Vandagriff was expected to ignite the offense, but his debut season was a letdown. He finished a lowly 100th in PFF’s quarterback grading (66.7), and the Wildcats as a team ranked 110th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per passing play. The disconnect between Vandagriff’s talent and actual performance defined much of Kentucky’s offensive identity last year: inefficient and inconsistent.
Offensive Line: Improvements and Hopes
Recognizing that their offensive line was a liability in 2024, the Wildcats made adjustments over the offseason. They focused on strengthening the trenches, a critical move given how often pressure derailed Vandagriff’s passing rhythm. The improvements up front could lead to better offensive production, particularly in both pass protection and the run game. However, questions linger—especially regarding chemistry and durability—about how quickly this retooled unit can come together.
Quarterback Shake-Up: Zach Calzada Steps In
With Vandagriff’s struggles prompting a shift, Kentucky turned to another transfer quarterback for 2025: Zach Calzada. A familiar name from his previous stints at Texas A&M and Auburn, Calzada arrives with experience and a strong arm, but also a history of inconsistency. He’s known for flashes of brilliance—like his standout game in A&M’s 2021 upset over Alabama—but also for bouts of inaccuracy and decision-making lapses.
The Wildcats are hoping that Calzada can provide the spark that Vandagriff couldn’t. If he can settle into the offense quickly and build rapport with his receivers, he could elevate a unit desperate for stability. But that’s a big “if.” Kentucky’s quarterback carousel is emblematic of deeper offensive issues that go beyond who lines up under center.
Wide Receivers and Skill Talent: A Mixed Bag
One of the challenges for any Kentucky quarterback in recent years has been the lack of elite playmakers on the outside. While there’s some talent in the receiving corps, no true standout has emerged as a game-changing threat. For Calzada to thrive, someone needs to step up and become a consistent target—especially on third downs and in red zone scenarios. Depth and development at wideout remain question marks, with unproven players needing to play larger roles.
The running game may offer some relief. Kentucky’s backfield features several promising runners capable of carrying a larger workload. A stronger offensive line and renewed focus on the ground attack could help the Wildcats control tempo and stay in games even when the passing attack stalls.
Defense: Solid, But Not Spectacular
On the defensive side of the ball, Kentucky isn’t expected to be elite, but they should at least be competent. They lost several key contributors in the offseason, making it a challenge to replicate past successes. However, Stoops’ defensive coaching acumen typically ensures that Kentucky’s defense stays within the realm of average or slightly above.
Linebacker and secondary depth could be areas of concern, especially if injuries pile up. The pass rush also needs to improve after a relatively quiet 2024 campaign. Still, the defense won’t likely be the team’s Achilles’ heel. In fact, if the unit plays to its potential, it may be the reason Kentucky remains competitive in close games.
Schedule Outlook: Tough Road Ahead
The Wildcats face the sixth-toughest schedule in the country, according to PFF’s strength of schedule metrics. The SEC is always a gauntlet, and 2025 will be no exception. With matchups against powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee on the horizon—not to mention challenging non-conference games—Kentucky will need to overperform to reach bowl eligibility.
Given that daunting slate, both PFF and sportsbooks like FanDuel are cautious in their projections. PFF projects the Wildcats to win approximately 5.3 games, while FanDuel sets the over/under at 4.5. That reflects a narrow margin for error, and it means that even minor improvements could tip the scale toward a postseason berth.
Rebuilding and Repositioning
The overarching theme for Kentucky in 2025 is one of rebuilding—both structurally and philosophically. After a few years of relative stability, the Wildcats are searching for a new identity. Whether it’s through Calzada rediscovering his best form, or the defense rising above expectations, Kentucky needs several things to break in its favor.
This isn’t a team being discussed in national playoff conversations or even among the top tier of SEC programs. But it’s also not a hopeless squad. There’s enough foundational talent, coaching experience, and potential improvement—especially in the trenches and quarterback play—to suggest that a bounce-back season isn’t out of reach.
Final Thoughts: Cautious Optimism
In summary, the 2025 season presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Kentucky Wildcats. They’re coming off their worst record in over a decade, but there’s room to improve in key areas. The arrival of a veteran quarterback, a revamped offensive line, and Stoops’ steady hand all offer reasons for cautious optimism.
Kentucky will need to scrap and claw for every win, especially in a brutal SEC landscape. But if the offense can finally find some rhythm and the defense holds steady, this team could push past expectations and surprise a few opponents along the way. Still, with a difficult schedule and a roster in flux, bowl eligibility will be no small feat.
