Head Coach Mark Stoops is rebuilding the Kentucky Wildcats’ roster after a 4-8 season in 2024 that ended their eight-year bowl streak.
On Feb. 25, Stoops emphasized a roster overhaul with 31 new players, including 20 from the transfer portal, to address last year’s depth issues and boost SEC competitiveness, starting with the quarterback position.
Zach Calzada, a sixth-year senior quarterback (that didn’t play in the 2020 Covid-19 season), joins Kentucky with extensive experience from Texas A&M, Auburn and Incarnate Word, where he threw for 3,791 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024.
“A six-year guy, the guy has played a lot of football, competed in our league and did very well when he was in there… I can put on film and see a ton of reps,” Stoops said, confident Calzada will anchor the offense.
Calzada’s SEC experience is expected to stabilize the quarterback room, which includes redshirt freshman Cutter Boley and incoming freshmen Stone Saunders and Brennen Ward.
“I feel very good about them [freshman QBs]. But, you know and I know I am not going to put all of my eggs in an incoming freshman,” Stoops said.
The transfer portal class also transformed other positions. Stoops targeted experienced players like offensive linemen and running backs, including Dante Dowdell from Nebraska, for their maturity and toughness.
“I feel like there’s more depth at every position and I think that was critical. That bit us a year ago, and that’s my fault,” he admitted, taking responsibility for past depth issues.
On the defensive side, Stoops added, “Yeah, I think, you know, with David [Gusta] and Mi’Quise [Grace], both guys that, again, have great experience and, you know, played a lot of football, and checked the box for us athletically, what we’re looking for. So two really good players. You look at it as a group up there and I feel like, again, the depth is there.”
Transfers like offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete and defensive tackle David Gusta add depth and intensity, aligning with Stoops’ focus on accountability and player-led leadership.
“We set that precedent right from the beginning… We always want to be player-led and player-led in the accountability phase, and these guys are working at it,” he said.
As spring practice nears, Stoops plans a potential spring game or open practice to showcase the roster.
“I want to open it up and show you guys and show the fans… whether it is a practice or spring game, however we format it, I want to do something,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s readiness.
All in all, Stoops is determined to return Kentucky to sustained success.
“I enjoy it right now as much as I ever have… I could not be more energized and focused and determined to get this thing back and to keep rolling the program like we once did,” he said, pointing to the program’s history as motivation.
With Calzada leading and a deeper roster, the Wildcats aim to rebound in the 2025 SEC season.
