Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops Breaks Down Quarterback Battle, Shares Confidence in Team’s Direction Ahead of 2025 SEC Football Season

In the heart of SEC media day discussions and preseason training buzz, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops has added clarity to a question that’s been swirling throughout the offseason — the Wildcats’ quarterback situation. With the departure of 2024 starter Devin Leary to the NFL and a crowded quarterback room full of potential, fans, analysts, and SEC rivals alike have been wondering who will take command under center for the Wildcats.

Stoops, now entering his 13th season at the helm in Lexington, spoke candidly about the competition and his expectations. With several names in the mix and a revamped offensive staff leading the charge, Stoops is preaching patience while expressing optimism that the right man will rise to the top before the Wildcats open their 2025 season.

A Quarterback Room Full of Options

The competition for Kentucky’s starting quarterback spot includes redshirt junior Kaiya Sheron, sophomore Destin Wade, redshirt freshman Cutter Boley, and incoming four-star freshman KJ Lacey. Each brings a unique skillset to the table, and according to Stoops, no decision has been made yet — nor is one expected in the immediate future.

“We’ve got guys who are talented and driven,” Stoops said. “You want that competition. We’ve got different styles in that room, and we’re going to take the time to let it play out.”

Sheron, who has the most experience in the system, saw limited action behind Leary and Will Levis in past years, but he’s proven reliable in spot duty. Wade offers dual-threat versatility that aligns with modern SEC offenses, while Boley, the local Lexington product and former top recruit, has impressed in spring ball with his poise and arm talent. Lacey, an early enrollee, turned heads with his maturity in summer workouts and could be a dark horse to climb the depth chart quickly.

Stoops Emphasizes Development, Not Just Decision-Making

For Stoops, it’s not about naming a starter just to satisfy fans’ curiosity — it’s about developing a leader who can withstand the grind of SEC play. Kentucky is entering a crucial year where its offensive identity must be re-established, and that starts with the quarterback position.

“I’m not in a hurry,” Stoops said. “It’s about who gives us the best chance to win and who can lead this team consistently. You don’t make those decisions lightly. We’ve got a few more weeks of camp before we get there.”

Stoops emphasized the value of continuity within the offense, especially as new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan installs his system. Hamdan, formerly at Boise State, brings a pro-style influence with creative run-pass option (RPO) wrinkles and an emphasis on quarterback intelligence.

“Coach Hamdan has done a great job getting these guys to buy in,” Stoops added. “They’re learning a lot, and he’s pushing them to be better every day.”

What Each QB Brings to the Table

Kaiya Sheron is the steady hand. A redshirt junior who’s seen action in five career games, Sheron is known for his calm presence and grasp of the playbook. Though not the flashiest, he’s viewed as a dependable option.

Destin Wade, on the other hand, brings electricity with his legs. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Wade has the build of a linebacker and the speed of a wideout. His ability to escape the pocket and extend plays may give him an edge in dynamic matchups, especially against SEC defenses that bring pressure.

Cutter Boley, one of Kentucky’s highest-rated quarterback signees in the past decade, offers the highest ceiling. At 6-foot-5 with a rocket arm and above-average mobility, Boley is raw but has wowed coaches with his grasp of the game and competitive mindset.

KJ Lacey, the newcomer, has been described as “ahead of schedule” in terms of his development. The Alabama native was a major recruiting win for Stoops and could earn playing time if he continues progressing at his current pace.

“Each of them is doing something well,” Stoops said. “Some guys are reading the defense faster, some are throwing with better touch, some are more athletic. It’s about finding consistency.”

SEC East Expectations Add Pressure

The pressure on Kentucky to get the quarterback situation right is magnified by the nature of the SEC East. With Georgia reloading, Tennessee surging, and Florida looking to bounce back, Kentucky must keep pace with elite competition if it wants to return to 8-10 win territory.

Stoops knows that whoever wins the job must be able to handle the SEC’s weekly grind — hostile road environments, elite pass rushers, and high-stakes moments.

“You have to have thick skin in this league,” Stoops said. “The guy who can handle the moment — that’s who we’re looking for.”

Stoops also praised his offensive line, known as the “Big Blue Wall,” which has been retooled through the portal and development. Their performance will be crucial in helping a young quarterback settle into rhythm early in the season.

Early Season Slate Could Provide Breathing Room

Kentucky opens its 2025 campaign with a favorable slate that includes three straight home games against mid-major competition before traveling to face South Carolina in Week 4. That stretch could give the starter time to gain confidence and work out kinks in the system before the gauntlet of SEC play begins.

“There’s an opportunity there to get into rhythm,” Stoops said. “But you still have to come out sharp and focused from Day One.”

Fans React: Hope, Curiosity, and Caution

Kentucky fans have taken to social media to express a mix of curiosity and support. Some are lobbying for the athleticism of Wade, others want the big-play arm of Boley, while others trust Sheron’s experience. Regardless, most fans appear to trust Stoops’ judgment.

“This is the most excited I’ve been about a quarterback battle in years,” one fan wrote on X. “Let it play out and pick the right guy — we’ve got talent.”

Another added, “This could be the year we surprise people, especially if Boley starts cooking.”

Stoops’ Legacy and Leadership

As the longest-tenured head coach in Kentucky football history, Stoops has already built an enduring legacy. He’s taken the Wildcats from SEC doormat to a respected program capable of producing NFL talent and competing for postseason relevance. But he knows that quarterback development is the next frontier in elevating the program to true contender status.

“We’ve had success here with guys like Terry Wilson, Will Levis, and Devin Leary,” Stoops said. “Now it’s about continuing that growth and finding a guy who can help us get to the next level.”

With recruiting momentum, strong portal additions, and a retooled offensive scheme, Kentucky’s 2025 campaign will hinge heavily on what happens under center. For now, Stoops is staying steady — evaluating, encouraging, and preparing for the moment when he names the leader of the Wildcats’ offense.

Until then, the quarterback room remains the most watched room in Lexington. And according to Stoops, that’s exactly how it should be.