There are not very high expectations for this Kentucky football team, and the fan base continues to grow more and more impatient with Mark Stoops.

After Will Levis left for the NFL, the coaching staff has gone 0-2 in the transfer portal at quarterback despite high expectations for both Devin Leary and Brock Vandagriff.

The Wildcats have once again brought in a transfer portal quarterback who will likely be the starter, and that is Zach Calzada. Last season, Calzada played at Incarnate Word, but he has made two stops in the SEC at Texas A&M and Auburn.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports ranked all of the projected starting quarterbacks in the SEC, and he had Calzada ranked dead last.

Here is what Crawford had to say about Calzada and why he had him ranked 16th: “Expectations are low involving Calzada, the latest transfer quarterback to assume starting honors for the Wildcats. The Brock Vandagriff experiment worked out poorly, and Mark Stoops prays this former Texas A&M quarterback can execute the game plan with more precision.”

Calzada put up elite numbers at Incarnate Word and beat a Nick Saban-led Alabama team while at Texas A&M, so he has proven to be a capable quarterback.

The veteran signal caller has made it clear that he is playing with a chip on his shoulder, and the disrespect from these types of ranking lists will fuel him this offseason. Calzada is a good quarterback who has been dying for another opportunity in the SEC after a bad stop at Auburn, and he will get that this season in Lexington.

Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada has faced persistent skepticism and underappreciation from the national media despite demonstrating qualities that merit recognition. While college football is often dominated by headlines surrounding high-profile programs and star players, Calzada’s journey and performances deserve a closer look to understand why he continues to be disrespected and what he brings to Kentucky’s offense. His resilience, leadership, and potential often go unnoticed amid the noise, but his contributions are vital to the Wildcats’ aspirations and exemplify the broader issue of media bias and oversight in college football.

First, it’s important to contextualize Calzada’s background. Transferring from Texas A&M to Kentucky, he entered the SEC with some expectations but was initially viewed as a secondary option among the quarterback landscape. His career at Texas A&M was characterized by flashes of promise but also inconsistency, leading many to overlook his capabilities. When he arrived at Kentucky, expectations naturally diminished; however, Calzada quickly proved he’s more than just a backup or transitional figure. His leadership qualities, resilience through adversity, and ability to lead a team in a competitive conference are qualities that often go underreported.

One reason for the ongoing disrespect from the national media is the tendency to focus on more high-profile quarterbacks from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, or USC. These programs tend to dominate the spotlight due to their history, recruiting dominance, and media-friendly narratives. In contrast, Kentucky, historically more of a basketball school with a football program striving for relevance, doesn’t garner the same attention. Consequently, Calzada’s performances are often overshadowed or dismissed, despite evidence of his ability to lead and produce on the field.

Another factor is the perception of Kentucky’s offensive system and talent around him. Critics argue that Calzada’s stats are inflated or unremarkable compared to quarterbacks in more prolific offenses. However, this view neglects the context: Kentucky’s offense often operates with limited weapons, and Calzada has faced defenses designed to contain him. His ability to extend plays, make accurate throws under pressure, and manage the game effectively shows a maturity that often isn’t reflected in raw statistics. Yet, the media frequently overlooks these intangibles, opting instead to judge him solely on yardage or touchdown numbers, which can be misleading indicators of a quarterback’s true value.

Additionally, Calzada’s leadership and mental toughness are qualities that don’t always make headlines but are crucial for team success. Kentucky has experienced its share of ups and downs, and Calzada’s composure during critical moments has been a stabilizing force. His poise in tight games, ability to rally the team after setbacks, and work ethic behind the scenes are attributes that deserve recognition but are often ignored in national narratives that prefer highlight plays or headline-grabbing stats.

The media’s disrespected perception of Calzada is also compounded by the broader issue of the “quarterback rankings” phenomenon. Media outlets and analysts frequently rank quarterbacks based on a combination of talent, stats, and team success, often neglecting the context of their supporting cast or the circumstances they face. Calzada’s inconsistent season, coupled with Kentucky’s inconsistent team results, may lead to lower rankings or dismissive commentary, which further marginalizes his contributions. This creates a cycle where underappreciation breeds further skepticism, making it harder for him to receive recognition even when he performs well.

Moreover, the narrative surrounding Calzada’s transfer from Texas A&M to Kentucky influences perceptions. Some critics view the transfer as a step down or assume he’s not talented enough to succeed at a higher-profile program, ignoring the fact that transfers are often motivated by a desire for more playing time, a fresh start, or a better system suited to their strengths. Calzada’s decision to join Kentucky was strategic, and his performances since arriving have shown that he can be a difference-maker in the SEC. The continued dismissiveness from the media reflects a bias that overlooks the importance of context, resilience, and growth.

Despite the lack of widespread recognition, Calzada’s statistics and performances have shown flashes of his potential. He possesses a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make throws on the run—traits that align with modern NFL-style quarterbacks. His leadership has been evident, especially in high-pressure situations where he’s demonstrated poise beyond his years. His ability to adapt to Kentucky’s offensive schemes and work with limited talent around him indicates a high football IQ and dedication to improvement.

Furthermore, the media’s undervaluation of Calzada overlooks the importance of intangibles like work ethic, leadership, and mental toughness—traits that often translate into long-term success. Many NFL quarterbacks and college stars who initially received little recognition have gone on to have successful careers because their intangibles and resilience propelled them forward. Calzada’s journey suggests he has the potential to develop into a reliable starter and possibly even a professional prospect if given the proper recognition and development.

The ongoing disrespect also highlights a larger issue within college football media coverage: the tendency to elevate certain players and programs while marginalizing others based on visibility, recruiting rankings, or historical prestige. This bias can be frustrating for players like Calzada, who demonstrate qualities that transcend superficial metrics but are ignored because they don’t fit the narrative. It underscores the importance of looking beyond stats and headlines to understand a player’s full impact—something the media often fails to do.

In conclusion, Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada continues to be disrespected by the national media because of systemic biases, contextual oversights, and a focus on flashier narratives. Despite evidence of his leadership, resilience, and potential, he remains undervalued, which is a disservice to his contributions and a reflection of the broader issues of recognition in college football. As Calzada continues to develop and lead Kentucky, it’s imperative that media outlets recognize his true worth, appreciate the intangibles he brings, and acknowledge that success isn’t solely defined by national headlines or flashy stats but also by character, perseverance, and the ability to lead under pressure.