Kentucky finds its QB for 2025.
The Kentucky Wildcats targeted two quarterbacks in the transfer portal: Former Texas/Duke player Maalik Murphy, and former Texas A&M/Auburn/Incarnate Word player Zach Calzada.
After Murphy visited Kentucky on Monday, the Wildcats quickly hosted Calzada on Tuesday.
Now, Calzada has officially committed to Mark Stoops and the Cats. He announced the news Thursday on Twitter.
Let’s work! #BBN pic.twitter.com/XiL3HgZVuP
— Zach Calzada (@zach_calzada) December 19, 2024
With Kentucky needing another quarterback after Beau Allen’s graduation and Gavin Wimsatt’s transfer, the Wildcats were down to four quarterbacks: Brock Vandagriff (RSr.), Cutter Boley (RFr.), Stone Saunders (Fr.), and Brennen Ward (Fr.).
However, Vandagriff is set to retire, leaving Kentucky in search of additional depth at quarterback—a need they addressed with their latest addition.
Calzada, a class of 2019 recruit, did not see consistent playing time until the 2021 season when he stepped in for injured starter Haynes King at Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher. He played in all 12 games that year, leading the Aggies to a memorable 8-4 season.
Calzada threw for 2,185 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 56.1% of his passes. His standout performance came against No. 1 Alabama, where he threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns, including leading the game-winning drive, to secure a stunning 41-38 upset victory.
Following the 2021 season, Calzada transferred to Auburn in hopes of securing the starting job, but injuries and depth chart competition limited his opportunities. He did not see game action during the 2022 season and ultimately decided to seek another opportunity to play.
In 2023, Calzada transferred to Incarnate Word, where he found success in the FCS level of competition. He showcased his arm talent and leadership, throwing for 2,598 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 66.4% of his passes. Calzada helped lead Incarnate Word to a strong season and reminded everyone of his ability to manage an offense effectively.
This past season, Calzada had a breakout year with Incarnate Word, completing 343 of 524 passes for a 65.5% completion rate. He threw for 3,744 yards, 35 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his second season with the team. Calzada led Incarnate Word to an impressive 11-3 record before deciding to enter the transfer portal, ultimately landing at Kentucky.
Calzada now has an opportunity to make an impact in the SEC once again. If he can recapture the form he showed at Texas A&M, particularly in games like the upset of Alabama, Kentucky fans will have plenty to be excited about in the upcoming season.
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