With the 2025 college football season rapidly approaching, all eyes are on the Kentucky Wildcats as they prepare for another year under head coach Mark Stoops. One of the hottest topics among fans, analysts, and media alike is the ongoing quarterback competition between veteran transfer Zach Calzada and young standout Cutter Boley. With just over a month remaining before kickoff, Stoops addressed the media during a press conference on Monday, giving some insight into the progress of the team and—most notably—the status of the quarterback position.
Although Stoops didn’t outright name a starter, he provided a clear indicator of where things stand. When asked who would start if the season began today, Stoops revealed that Zach Calzada would be under center. While this statement doesn’t make it official, it strongly suggests Calzada is currently leading the competition. This revelation sparked immediate discussion across the Big Blue Nation. It’s not that Cutter Boley has underperformed—it’s simply that Calzada’s experience is proving to be the defining factor, at least for now.
Calzada, who has journeyed through multiple programs during his collegiate career, brings with him a depth of experience that’s difficult to ignore. Having faced SEC defenses in the past and played meaningful snaps at Texas A&M and Auburn, Calzada understands the intensity and complexity of high-level football. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has reportedly been impressed with Calzada’s command of the offense and his chemistry with the team’s core group of offensive weapons. That blend of maturity, leadership, and familiarity with the pressure-cooker environment of SEC play gives Calzada an edge as training camp ramps up.
On the other side of the competition is Cutter Boley, a name already familiar to Kentucky fans. Boley saw limited action last season and showed flashes of potential, but also experienced the kind of inconsistency that’s common among young quarterbacks adjusting to the speed of the college game. Still, Boley’s arm strength, athleticism, and high ceiling make him a tantalizing option for the Wildcats’ future—and perhaps even the present, depending on how the next few weeks unfold.
What’s especially interesting about this quarterback competition is that neither option represents a true rebuilding situation. This isn’t about choosing between a veteran game manager and a raw freshman; both players have legitimate talent and the ability to lead this team to success. Calzada’s familiarity with complex schemes and SEC-level competition positions him as a ready-made leader, while Boley offers long-term potential and perhaps a more dynamic playmaking ability.
Coach Stoops also made a point to mention Beau Allen, another veteran presence in the quarterback room. Allen’s experience and leadership are seen as valuable not only for on-field performance but also for mentoring younger players like Boley. Having Allen in the mix adds another layer of depth and stability to the quarterback position—a luxury that not every program enjoys. Allen may not currently be in the starting conversation, but his presence keeps the pressure on Calzada and Boley alike, ensuring neither can take their foot off the gas during preseason competition.
Of course, Stoops emphasized that the depth chart is far from finalized. As with most college football programs this time of year, the next several weeks of practice and scrimmages will be crucial. Players will continue to be evaluated not only based on performance in drills, but also on leadership qualities, ability to handle pressure, and command of the offense during live reps.
The quarterback position isn’t the only area of focus for the Wildcats, but it’s certainly the most scrutinized at the moment. Kentucky has retooled its offense with new weapons, both through recruiting and the transfer portal, and whoever wins the QB1 job will be surrounded by a promising supporting cast. Wide receivers have shown improvement, the offensive line is expected to be more cohesive, and the backfield boasts enough depth to take pressure off the quarterback. That’s why Stoops and Hamdan are placing such an emphasis on finding the right leader—someone who can maximize the potential of the entire unit.
For Kentucky fans, this quarterback decision represents more than just who takes the first snap—it’s about the trajectory of the season. A steady and confident Calzada could offer the Wildcats a strong start and allow younger players time to grow around him. On the other hand, if Boley were to win the job, it could signal a more aggressive approach to the season with a focus on high-upside playmaking and developing talent for the future.
Regardless of who is eventually named the starter, Stoops’ handling of the competition so far has been methodical and transparent. He’s allowing the competition to play out organically, giving each quarterback a fair opportunity while keeping the pressure on with public comments that reveal just enough to keep fans engaged but not enough to create controversy.
In summary, while the official QB1 for Kentucky has yet to be declared, Zach Calzada is currently in the lead, primarily due to his experience and readiness. Cutter Boley, however, remains a strong contender and has ample time to close the gap. With Beau Allen providing depth and wisdom, Kentucky’s quarterback room is in a healthy place heading into the final stretch before the season.
Expectations are high in Lexington, and this quarterback battle could be the storyline that defines the early part of the 2025 campaign. Whether it’s the steady hand of Calzada or the explosive potential of Boley, Kentucky fans should feel confident that the program has multiple viable options. As fall camp progresses and the season opener draws closer, the spotlight will only intensify, and Mark Stoops will be tasked with making one of the most important decisions of the Wildcats’ season.
One thing is certain: Kentucky’s quarterback battle isn’t just about who’s under center—it’s about setting the tone for what could be a defining year in the Stoops era.
