Kentucky QB Zach Calzada continues to be overlooked by the national media, despite his consistent performance and potential.

In the ever-evolving world of college football, some players get the recognition they deserve, while others are constantly overlooked. Despite putting up impressive performances and showing undeniable potential, Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada has become a prime example of the latter. As we enter the 2025 season, Calzada remains a highly capable signal-caller who is yet to receive the national media attention his talent deserves. Despite impressive statistics, leadership, and growth, national pundits seem to have forgotten about Calzada, and this oversight is starting to raise questions.

A Quick Overview of Zach Calzada’s Career

Zach Calzada is no stranger to adversity. After transferring to Kentucky from Texas A&M, he stepped into a critical role and proved he could handle the pressure of leading an SEC offense. His career at Texas A&M was filled with highs and lows, but most notably, he helped the Aggies achieve a significant victory over Alabama in 2021. His strong arm, combined with his resilience, caught the attention of many, but instead of gaining the recognition he deserved, Calzada’s name has remained relatively quiet in national discussions.

In 2023, Calzada made the decision to transfer to Kentucky, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a desire to prove that he can thrive in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Kentucky was an ideal landing spot for Calzada, offering a balanced offense and a solid coaching staff that could help develop his raw talents. But while Calzada showed flashes of brilliance during his first season as a Wildcat, the national media has remained largely silent about his abilities.

The National Media’s Bias Against Non-Blue Bloods

One of the key reasons why Calzada continues to be overlooked is the bias in the national media against schools outside of the traditional college football powerhouses, often referred to as the “blue bloods.” Programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia consistently dominate the headlines, while players at schools like Kentucky frequently get left in the shadows. While Kentucky has made strides in recent years, it’s still often viewed as a “basketball school,” and football success often takes a backseat in the eyes of the national media.

However, Kentucky’s football program is far from irrelevant. Under head coach Mark Stoops, the Wildcats have become one of the more consistent teams in the SEC, regularly competing in bowl games and providing tough competition for the conference’s elite programs. Yet, for reasons beyond Calzada’s control, the Wildcats haven’t had the same media visibility as teams in major media markets or those consistently competing for national championships. This often means that players like Calzada, who may not get the exposure of players at major programs, get left out of Heisman discussions, All-America teams, and national award conversations.

Calzada’s Consistent Performance on the Field

When it comes to on-field performance, there’s no denying that Zach Calzada is a force to be reckoned with. Throughout his career, Calzada has consistently demonstrated that he has the tools necessary to excel at the quarterback position. He has a strong arm, good decision-making skills, and the ability to lead a team in crucial situations. His football IQ is high, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has improved each year.

At Texas A&M, Calzada faced some of the toughest defenses in college football, and even in those difficult matchups, he showed his mettle. Against Alabama, in one of the most iconic games of his career, Calzada threw for over 280 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Aggies to a monumental victory. This kind of performance should have been a launching point for his national recognition, but instead, the focus shifted away from Calzada and onto the narrative surrounding Alabama’s struggles.

At Kentucky, he has continued to evolve as a quarterback. Calzada’s ability to adjust to the fast pace of the SEC and improve his mechanics has been evident. He’s become more comfortable in the pocket, and his deep-ball accuracy has seen significant improvement. While Kentucky’s offense has at times been overshadowed by the defense’s dominance, Calzada’s leadership has been integral to the team’s success. He’s shown poise in tight situations, led game-winning drives, and kept the Wildcats competitive in almost every contest.

Despite these contributions, Calzada has not garnered the same praise as other quarterbacks who may not even have his level of talent or experience. His statistics may not jump off the page in the way that some of his peers’ do, but the reality is that Calzada is performing at a high level in one of the toughest conferences in college football. It’s time for the media to take a closer look at what he’s bringing to the table.

The Heisman Oversight: A Case Study in National Disrespect

One of the biggest areas where Calzada has been overlooked is in the conversation about the Heisman Trophy. The prestigious award is often given to the best player in college football, and it’s usually dominated by quarterbacks from powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. However, in the past, we’ve seen players from schools that aren’t necessarily football dynasties make their mark, such as Derrick Henry at Alabama and Joe Burrow at LSU. These players earned their place in the national spotlight, and Calzada should be no different.

While quarterbacks from blue-blood programs are consistently listed as Heisman candidates, Calzada has not even come close to receiving the same level of media attention, despite his potential to be in the mix. Quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett from Georgia or Hendon Hooker from Tennessee received more media attention for similar, if not lesser, accomplishments.

Calzada’s performances at Kentucky have been impressive, and while he hasn’t yet reached the heights of a Burrow-like season, he’s shown enough skill and leadership to warrant serious consideration for a Heisman spot. If given the same media attention and exposure, it’s reasonable to believe he could have a breakout season that makes him a legitimate contender. Unfortunately, that recognition seems to be missing from the national discourse.

The Future: A Chance to Prove Himself

As the 2025 season approaches, Zach Calzada has a chance to change the narrative around his career. With a talented supporting cast at Kentucky, including an improving offensive line and skilled receivers, Calzada has the tools to make a statement on a national stage. Kentucky’s schedule is filled with tough SEC matchups, and if Calzada can lead the Wildcats to a strong finish and perhaps an upset over a team like Georgia or Alabama, it could finally force the national media to take notice.

But more than anything, Calzada’s journey is a reminder of the inherent biases in the college football media landscape. For players like him, recognition isn’t guaranteed, and success can often go unnoticed unless it happens at one of the traditional powerhouse schools. For the media, it’s easy to default to the familiar names and face-value statistics of quarterbacks playing for top-ranked teams. However, as the season unfolds, it’s clear that Calzada’s talent and leadership deserve a spotlight.

The story of Zach Calzada is one that should serve as a lesson in fairness and recognition in college football. As a quarterback with tremendous potential, a strong work ethic, and a proven ability to succeed on the field, Calzada deserves far more national recognition than he’s currently receiving. It’s time for the national media to stop overlooking him and start giving credit where it’s due.

Whether it’s through more in-depth coverage, Heisman discussions, or simply acknowledging his impact on Kentucky’s success, Calzada’s story deserves to be heard. His journey may not follow the typical narrative of a high-profile recruit at a traditional powerhouse, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as impressive.

As the 2025 season progresses, it’s time for the national media to wake up and start recognizing Zach Calzada for the player he truly is — a talented, hardworking quarterback who has proven time and again that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.