2025 Kentucky Wildcats Season Preview: Can The Wildcats Stay Competitive in the SEC?

The Kentucky Wildcats enter the 2025 season with a strong desire to bounce back from a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2024, which marked their worst record since 2013. Head Coach Mark Stoops, entering his 13th season, has strategically utilized the transfer portal to retool the roster, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, aiming to return to bowl eligibility and contend in the SEC.

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Storylines Entering the Season

• Quarterback Transition: After the departure of Brock Vandagriff, the spotlight is on Zach Calzada, a transfer from Incarnate Word, to take the reins at quarterback. Calzada brings experience from multiple collegiate stops, and his ability to consistently deliver in the passing game will be crucial for the Wildcats’ offensive improvement.
• Offensive Line Overhaul: The offensive line struggled significantly in 2024, particularly with pass protection. Kentucky addressed this aggressively through the transfer portal, bringing in experienced tackles like Shiyazh Pete and Alex Wollschlaeger. The performance of this revamped unit will directly impact the success of the running game and Calzada’s comfort in the pocket.
• Generating Pressure on Defense: While the defense wasn’t entirely to blame for last season’s struggles, a lack of consistent pass rush was a clear issue. The addition of transfers like EDGE Mi’Quise Grace and defensive lineman David Gusta is intended to bolster the front seven and create more disruptive plays.
• Tough Schedule Navigation: Kentucky faces one of the toughest schedules in college football, featuring six teams ranked in Phil Steele’s preseason top 25 (Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn). Navigating this gauntlet and finding wins against quality opponents will be a significant challenge.
• Return to Bowl Eligibility: After missing a bowl game for the first time since 2016, a primary goal for the 2025 season will be to secure enough wins to return to the postseason. This will require improved consistency on both sides of the ball.

Kentucky Wildcats Key Players

• Zach Calzada (QB, Gr.): The new starting quarterback. His arm talent and maturity will be essential for improving Kentucky’s passing attack, which struggled with accuracy in 2024.
• Dante Dowdell (RB, Jr.): A transfer from Nebraska, Dowdell is expected to be a key figure in the ground game, bringing a powerful running style.
• Kendrick Law (WR, Sr.): An Alabama transfer, Law is projected to be the Wildcats’ new No. 1 target in the receiving corps, stepping into a crucial role after key departures.
• Shiyazh Pete (OT, Sr.): A highly anticipated offensive line transfer from New Mexico State, Pete is expected to significantly upgrade the pass protection and run blocking.
• Alex Afari (S/LB, Sr.): A versatile defender who moves like a safety but will be a statistical monster in the middle of the linebacking corps.
• Mi’Quise Grace (EDGE, Jr.): A transfer from South Dakota State, Grace was an FCS standout with 9.5 sacks and 18.5 TFLs in 2023. He’s expected to provide a much-needed boost to the pass rush.
• Jordan Lovett (S, Sr.): An “all-around machine” in the secondary, Lovett will be a key leader in the defensive backfield.

Kentucky Wildcats Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Zach Calzada (Gr.) / Beau Allen (R-Sr.)
• RB: Dante Dowdell (Jr.) / Jason Patterson (So.) / Jamarion Wilcox (Jr.)
• WR (X): Kendrick Law (Sr.) / Fred Farrier (R-Sr.)
• WR (Z): Ashton Cozart (So.) / Hardley Gilmore IV (So.)
• WR (Slot): Anthony Brown (Jr.) / Montavin Quisenberry (Fr.)
• TE: Elijah Brown (Jr.) / Justin Kattus (R-Fr.)
• LT: Shiyazh Pete (Sr.) / David Wohlgemuth (R-Jr.)
• LG: Alex Wollschlaeger (Sr.) / Jager Burton (R-Jr.)
• C: Eli Cox (Gr.) / Tanner Bowles (Gr.)
• RG: Kenneth Horsey (Gr.) / Grant Bingham (R-So.)
• RT: Cameron Jones (Sr.) / Paul Varga (R-So.)

Defense

• DE: Mi’Quise Grace (Jr.) / Landyn Watson (R-Sr.)
• DT: David Gusta (Jr.) / Josaih Hayes (Gr.)
• DT: Octavious Oxendine (Gr.) / Keeshawn Silver (R-Jr.)
• EDGE/OLB: Sam Greene (R-So.) / Kameron Olds (Sr.)
• WLB: Alex Afari (Sr.) / Grant Godfrey (R-So.)
• MLB: Daveren Rayner (Sr.) / Steven Soles (So.)
• CB: J.Q. Hardaway (Sr.) / Quaysheed Scott (So.)
• CB: DJ Waller Jr. (So.) / Jantzen Dunn (R-Sr.)
• S: Jordan Lovett (Sr.) / Ty Bryant (Jr.)
• S: Cam Dooley (So.) / Dyllon Williams (Fr.)
• Nickel: Zion Childress (Gr.) / Jackson Schulz (R-So.)

Special Teams

• K: Alex Raynor (Gr.)
• P: Wilson Berry (Jr.)
• PR: Barion Brown (Jr.) (if he returns, otherwise TBD)
• KR: Barion Brown (Jr.) (if he returns, otherwise TBD)

Kentucky Wildcats Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Kentucky’s 2025 season:

1. September 6 vs. Ole Miss: This early SEC home opener is a massive test. Kentucky stunned Ole Miss on the road in 2024, and a repeat performance at Kroger Field would be a huge statement win, building early confidence against a ranked conference opponent and setting a positive tone for the season.
2. October 18 vs. Texas: The Longhorns, a national championship contender, visit Lexington in what will be one of the most anticipated home games of the season. While a challenging matchup, a strong showing against a top-tier program like Texas would demonstrate Kentucky’s progress and ability to compete with the SEC’s elite.
3. November 29 at Louisville: The annual Governor’s Cup rivalry game is always a high-stakes affair, and this year it’s on the road to close the regular season. After a disappointing 2024, securing a win over their in-state rival would provide a crucial boost of momentum heading into the offseason and could be the difference in reaching bowl eligibility.

Lee Bushkell

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