Zach Calzada and Cutter Boley Give Kentucky Strong Quarterback Depth as Mark Stoops Prepares for Critical 2025 Season in SEC

In the ever-competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), quarterback depth is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. As Kentucky football prepares for the 2025 season, head coach Mark Stoops can rest a bit easier knowing he has two capable signal-callers behind center: Zach Calzada and Cutter Boley. Both quarterbacks bring different strengths to the Wildcats’ quarterback room, and together they provide a solid foundation as the team enters what could be a defining year for Stoops’ tenure.

Stoops Addresses the Quarterback Situation

Speaking at SEC Media Days and in follow-up interviews, Stoops made it clear he’s not in panic mode when it comes to the quarterback position. “We feel very confident with what we have in Zach and Cutter,” Stoops said. “Both bring leadership, intelligence, and a commitment to competing. We’re excited about the depth and flexibility they give us offensively.”

While many eyes around the country are on the big-name programs, Stoops has built a quietly stable contender in Lexington. With Kentucky aiming for its fourth winning season in five years, the quarterback tandem could be a critical element in pushing the Wildcats over the top in the SEC East.

Zach Calzada: Experience and Grit

Zach Calzada, a graduate transfer who previously played at Texas A&M and Auburn, comes to Kentucky with valuable SEC experience. Known best for leading Texas A&M to a shocking 41–38 victory over then-No. 1 Alabama in 2021, Calzada has shown he can rise to the occasion.

At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Calzada brings physical toughness, a strong arm, and poise under pressure. His journey hasn’t been smooth — injuries and coaching changes derailed his path — but now at Kentucky, he sees an opportunity to stabilize his career and help a program in need of consistency under center.

“I’ve been through battles,” Calzada told reporters after a summer workout. “I’ve seen the highs and lows. I’m here to compete, lead, and help this team win.”

Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan praised Calzada’s maturity and ability to grasp the playbook quickly. “Zach is a coach’s dream in terms of preparation,” Hamdan said. “He stays late, asks the right questions, and brings energy to the locker room.”

While he may not be the most athletic quarterback Kentucky has ever seen, Calzada’s knowledge of SEC defenses and his experience running multiple offensive systems make him a valuable option, especially early in the season when reps and decision-making matter most.

Cutter Boley: The Future with Immediate Potential

Then there’s Cutter Boley, the highly regarded in-state prospect who stayed home to represent the Bluegrass. Boley, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound freshman from Lexington Christian Academy, was one of the crown jewels of Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class.

Rated as a four-star quarterback by most major recruiting services, Boley chose Kentucky over offers from Tennessee, Michigan, and Alabama. His decision was a significant win for Stoops and the coaching staff, who prioritized keeping top-tier talent in-state.

Though young, Boley has impressed coaches with his maturity and arm talent. He’s shown flashes during spring and summer workouts, and insiders say it’s only a matter of time before he’s ready to challenge for significant playing time.

“I’m here to learn and compete,” Boley said. “There’s no ego — just hard work. Zach’s been a great mentor, and I’m absorbing everything I can.”

Hamdan echoed those sentiments. “Cutter is ahead of schedule,” the offensive coordinator said. “He has the physical tools, but what stands out most is his understanding of timing and how to command a huddle.”

While it’s unclear how much Boley will play this season, especially with Calzada in the mix, don’t rule out the possibility of the freshman seeing action if injuries or inconsistency arise.

Quarterback Depth Chart: A Two-Man Race?

As it stands, Calzada appears to have the edge for the starting role — at least heading into fall camp. His experience is hard to ignore, and Kentucky opens the season with a challenging schedule that includes matchups against South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Florida in the first six weeks.

Still, Stoops is leaving the door open. “We’re going to let them compete,” he said. “It’s not about politics or pedigree. The best guy will play.”

Behind Calzada and Boley, redshirt sophomore Destin Wade also remains in the mix, adding athleticism and versatility. Wade could be used situationally or even as a package player depending on how the season unfolds.

But the heart of the quarterback conversation remains centered on Calzada’s present and Boley’s future.

Offensive Identity Under Bush Hamdan

This is the second year under offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, and continuity may be one of Kentucky’s biggest assets. Hamdan has brought a pro-style system with multiple looks, emphasizing balance, pre-snap motion, and downfield passing.

With Ray Davis now gone to the NFL, Kentucky’s running back room will rely on committee work, putting more pressure on the quarterback to make smart reads and extend drives.

Receivers like Barion Brown and Dane Key give Kentucky explosive options on the outside, and tight end Jordan Dingle is expected to be a major contributor in the red zone. For this offense to hum, Kentucky needs a quarterback who can distribute the ball accurately and protect it — two traits Calzada has displayed at his best, and that Boley is developing quickly.

Hamdan believes the team is in a good spot. “We have two guys in Zach and Cutter who can make every throw we ask for,” he said. “And they both bring different looks that we can use to our advantage.”

Locker Room Leadership

Quarterback battles are often as much about locker room leadership as they are about arm strength or mechanics. Calzada, as a seasoned veteran, has embraced a mentor role while still competing. His teammates have responded to his work ethic and steady demeanor.

“Zach’s the kind of guy you want to fight for,” said offensive lineman Eli Cox. “He’s all business and doesn’t waste time.”

At the same time, Boley has earned early respect despite his youth. “Cutter doesn’t act like a freshman,” said wideout Barion Brown. “He listens, works hard, and doesn’t try to do too much. That’s a great combo.”

This healthy dynamic — competition without drama — is a testament to the culture Stoops has built.

Looking Ahead

Kentucky opens the season with a home game against Eastern Kentucky before heading into the SEC gauntlet. A strong start will be key in building momentum and confidence, especially at the quarterback position.

If Calzada performs well, he’ll likely remain the starter through the bulk of the schedule. But if inconsistency appears or if Kentucky needs a spark, don’t be surprised if Boley gets his shot sooner than later.

In either case, Stoops believes his program is better positioned than ever to handle the demands of a grueling season.

“We’ve been building depth for years,” Stoops said. “Quarterback is no different. We’ve got guys who can play, and that’s all you can ask for in this league.”

With Zach Calzada’s experience and Cutter Boley’s promising talent, Kentucky football enters the 2025 season with rare quarterback stability and depth. It may not generate national headlines, but in the SEC — where quarterback injuries and inconsistency can derail a season — it could make all the difference.

As the Wildcats aim to contend in a challenging conference, having two capable quarterbacks ready to lead the offense offers a major advantage. Whether it’s Calzada taking the first snap or Boley seizing an opportunity later in the season, Kentucky fans should feel confident that the future — and present — of the quarterback position is in good hands.