Kentucky has made a significant change at the quarterback position ahead of their season finale this weekend. Mark Stoops, the Wildcats’ head coach, announced on Monday that true freshman Cutter Boley will take the reins as the starting quarterback against Louisville in the highly anticipated Governor’s Cup matchup on Saturday. This marks a pivotal moment for Boley, who will step in for Brock Vandagriff, who has been the starter for every game this season except for this one.
Freshman QB on the Rise
Boley, a native of Hodgenville, Kentucky, has already made a name for himself despite being in his first collegiate season. He played high school football at Lexington Christian Academy, just a stone’s throw from Kroger Field, where he was a standout player. Rated as a four-star prospect, he was the No. 398 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates data from major recruiting services. Boley also earned the title of the No. 25 quarterback in his class and the No. 3 player in the state of Kentucky.
Impressive Performances
Boley has seen action in three games so far this season, showcasing his skills primarily in the second halves against Murray State and Texas. In his limited opportunities, he has completed 20 of 38 passes (52.6%) for a total of 290 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. However, his recent performances have been particularly noteworthy. After a rocky start where he struggled late in a blowout loss to Florida, Boley bounced back impressively in his last two outings. In those games, he completed 20 of 32 passes (62.5%) for the same 290 yards, with two touchdowns and just one interception.
Stoops’ Confidence in Boley
During a press conference earlier this week, Stoops expressed his confidence in Boley’s abilities. “He does. He does get to start, yeah,” Stoops confirmed when asked about Boley’s promotion to QB1. He went on to praise the freshman’s composure and skill set, stating, “I thought he just handled himself very well. Once again, you know, just thought he had a lot of poise in the pocket. I thought he distributed the football, you know, had the vision to hit open receivers. You know, the arm strength to get the ball down the field on his second play. You know, saw a lot of good things.”
The Road to Starting
Throughout the season, Kentucky has been in a constant rotation at the quarterback position, alternating between Vandagriff and Gavin Wimsatt. This back-and-forth approach kept fans guessing and left the team searching for stability. However, since their second bye week, Boley has emerged as a viable option, and now he finds himself in the spotlight as he prepares for his first career start. What a way to cap off a freshman year, right?
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats gear up for the showdown against their rivals from Louisville, the excitement surrounding Boley’s first start is palpable. Fans are eager to see how he performs on such a big stage. Will he rise to the occasion? With the Governor’s Cup on the line, Boley has the chance to not only make a name for himself but also to solidify his position as the future leader of the Wildcats’ offense.
This game is more than just a season finale; it’s a chance for Boley to prove that he can handle the pressure of college football. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is building.
Final Thoughts
Cutter Boley’s ascension to starting quarterback is a testament to his hard work and determination. It’s a moment that many young athletes dream of, and for Boley, it’s finally here. As he steps onto the field this Saturday, he carries not just his own aspirations but also the hopes of a passionate fanbase eager for victory. Can he deliver? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of Kentucky football looks bright with Boley at the helm.
