Kentucky’s Mount Rushmore of Quarterbacks: Honoring the Four Most Iconic Signal-Callers in Wildcats Football History Across Generations of Greatness

When it comes to college football bluebloods, Kentucky may not be the first name that comes to mind. But beneath the glitz of Rupp Arena and the hardwood legacy of Wildcat basketball lies a proud and passionate football tradition — one that has produced remarkable talent under center.

From gritty game-managers who stabilized the program to electrifying playmakers who rewrote the record books, Kentucky has seen its share of iconic quarterbacks. While championships may have eluded them, these quarterbacks carved their names in stone through leadership, resilience, and unforgettable performances.

So who belongs on Kentucky Football’s Mount Rushmore of Quarterbacks?

Narrowing the list down to four was no easy task. It meant weighing eras, stats, leadership, and legacy. But after careful consideration, here are the four signal-callers whose contributions tower above the rest — the faces of quarterback excellence in Lexington.

1. Tim Couch (1996–1998): The Blueprint of a Modern Offense

When Tim Couch arrived at Kentucky in the mid-1990s, the Wildcats were in desperate need of a spark. They got much more than that. Under head coach Hal Mumme and his revolutionary “Air Raid” offense, Couch became a national phenomenon, redefining what was possible at Kentucky and ushering in a new era of offensive football.

Couch’s stats remain staggering even decades later. In 1998 alone, he threw for 4,275 yards and 36 touchdowns, completing a jaw-dropping 72.3 percent of his passes. He shattered school and SEC records while leading Kentucky to a berth in the Outback Bowl — the program’s first bowl appearance in nine years.

He finished his career with 8,435 passing yards, still among the top in UK history, and was selected No. 1 overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, becoming the only Wildcat ever taken first overall in any draft.

Couch was more than just numbers — he gave Kentucky football national relevance. His calm command, accuracy, and understanding of the game made him one of the most polished quarterbacks of his era.

“Tim made Kentucky cool again,” said former UK receiver Craig Yeast. “He made people believe we could win throwing the ball.”

For his impact on the program and college football at large, Tim Couch’s place on the Mount Rushmore is undeniable.

2. Babe Parilli (1949–1951): The Original Star of Kentucky Football

Before television, before social media, before the spread offense, there was Vito “Babe” Parilli — the original Kentucky quarterback legend.

Playing under legendary head coach Bear Bryant, Parilli was the face of Kentucky football during its golden age in the early 1950s. He led the Wildcats to a Sugar Bowl victory over Oklahoma in 1951 and a Cotton Bowl appearance the year before, helping Kentucky finish with its highest-ever final AP ranking (No. 7 in 1950).

Parilli was a two-time All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1950 and fourth in 1951. Over his career, he threw for 4,351 yards and 50 touchdowns — eye-popping numbers for the era, when most offenses leaned heavily on the run.

Nicknamed “The Sweet Kentucky Babe,” Parilli was charismatic, smart, and ahead of his time. He later went on to a successful career in both the NFL and AFL, playing 18 seasons professionally.

“He was Joe Namath before Joe Namath,” one Kentucky historian said. “And without Babe, Kentucky doesn’t become a football school in the ’50s.”

Parilli wasn’t just a great player. He was a trailblazer, and his place on this list is etched in history.

3. Andre’ Woodson (2004–2007): The Program Resurrector

When Andre’ Woodson took over as Kentucky’s starting quarterback in 2005, the program was buried in the SEC basement. By the time he left, he had helped engineer one of the most dramatic turnarounds in school history.

Woodson led the Wildcats to back-to-back bowl victories (2006 Music City Bowl, 2007 Music City Bowl) and orchestrated signature wins over ranked teams, including a stunning triple-overtime upset of No. 1 LSU in 2007 — still considered one of the greatest wins in program history.

In 2007, Woodson passed for 3,709 yards and 40 touchdowns, setting an SEC record at the time for most passing TDs in a single season. He left Kentucky with career marks of 9,360 passing yards and 81 touchdowns, both school records at the time.

He also famously set an NCAA record for consecutive passes without an interception (325) in 2007, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy and elite decision-making.

“Andre’ changed the entire perception of Kentucky football,” said former head coach Rich Brooks. “He proved we could win big games with big-time quarterback play.”

With his leadership, statistical dominance, and program-changing success, Andre’ Woodson earned his place on the Mount Rushmore of Kentucky QBs.

4. Will Levis (2021–2022): The Face of a New Era

The most recent addition to the list, Will Levis, may not have broken as many statistical records as his predecessors, but his impact in reviving Kentucky football’s national stature cannot be overstated.

After transferring from Penn State in 2021, Levis immediately brought swagger, physicality, and a pro-style presence to the quarterback position. In his debut season, he led Kentucky to a 10-win season, capped by a Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa. It marked just the fourth 10-win season in school history.

Levis threw for 2,826 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2021, adding 376 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He followed it up with another solid campaign in 2022, despite injuries and O-line struggles, further solidifying his NFL stock.

His toughness, arm strength, and vocal leadership resonated with both teammates and fans. NFL scouts took notice too — Levis was selected 33rd overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Will raised the bar,” said Mark Stoops. “He changed how NFL teams look at our program, and how recruits see us.”

Levis’ era marked a shift in Kentucky’s trajectory from a mid-tier SEC team to one competing for New Year’s Six bowls and ranked recognition. His short, but seismic, impact earns him the final spot on Mount Rushmore.

Honorable Mentions

No Mount Rushmore conversation is complete without acknowledging a few who just missed the cut:

• Jared Lorenzen (2000–2003): “The Hefty Lefty” threw for over 10,000 yards and was one of college football’s most beloved personalities. His impact endures.

• Stephen Johnson (2016–2017): Led Kentucky to back-to-back bowl games and helped stabilize the program after key injuries.

• Terry Wilson (2018–2020): Dual-threat leader of the 10-win 2018 team; resilient and underappreciated.

• Bill Ransdell (1983–1986): A reliable QB in the 1980s who held many school records before Couch’s arrival.

Kentucky football may not be known for Heisman winners or quarterback factories, but its greatest signal-callers have shaped the program’s trajectory in meaningful, lasting ways.

From Couch’s precision, to Parilli’s legacy, to Woodson’s leadership, to Levis’ physicality and NFL pedigree, each QB carved a unique path that elevated the Wildcats.

Mount Rushmore is about more than numbers. It’s about impact, inspiration, and identity. And these four quarterbacks gave Kentucky fans unforgettable memories — and reasons to believe in the power of the position.

As new quarterbacks rise in the SEC and new eras begin in Lexington, the foundation laid by Couch, Parilli, Woodson, and Levis will always stand tall — like stone monuments of what Kentucky football is and can be.