It is a fact, not an opinion, that UK's football program took a backward step in 2024. It isn't as simple as it sounds, but it is true. It is also true that 3-4 more properly executed plays could have won the GA game on Sept 14, the Vandy game on Oct 12, and perhaps even the TN game on Nov 2. I don't say that to minimize the negative impact of the season. Again, it's just a fact, and it shows that this football program might not be as far from coping as it may seem from the record. A lesson we have learned in the past is that the difference between successful and unsuccessful seasons can boil down to as little as 10-20 plays. Again, 2024 highlighted the critical importance of winning in the trenches. It is simply a fact that our OL did not play winning football and our DL did not hold up.
So there has been an offseason discussion about whether our coaches have accomplished enough with the transfer portal to reshape our roster. My opinion is that our 2025 roster is significantly improved.
The problem is that 14 of UK's 19 inbound transfers will apparently use up their eligibility in 2025. That includes almost all of the projected starters among the transfers. So, while our 2025 roster appears significantly improved, Coach Stoops and his staff will need to undertake a similar rebuild through the portal again a year from now. Let me give an example. Kendrick Law or Troy Stellato may be every bit as effective for us (if not more so) than Hardley Gilmore would have been. But Gilmore has 4 years of eligibility left, whereas Law and Stellato will be gone after 2025. FWIW, both projected starting OTs, Pete and Wollschlaeger, will also be gone after 2025. So it isn't just a question of whether our 2025 roster is better. (It clearly is.) The question is whether Stoops and his staff can do a better job every year of managing their roster than they have done recently. Maybe they can, but that must be proven in an environment of NIH, SEC expansion (TX, OK), and rules changes including inevitable expansion to 100+ scholarships. It's a tall order for a program in a small state bordering B10 country, and will clearly require more focus by all concerned including administration, coaches, fans, and corporate supporters. And since rules changes continue to constitute a moving target, innovation will be more critical than ever.
Let's segue to comparisons of starting lineup and rotation projections.
QB
2024- Vandagriff, Wimsatt, Boley
2025- Calzada, Boley, Saunders
I was optimistic about Vandagriff, because Kirby Smart signed him. But his lack of playing experience hurt once our OL turned out subpar. I am also optimistic about Calzada but, again, everything starts upfront. I have no doubt Calzada is mentally tougher and more aggressive than Vandagriff. Vandagriff may have more skills on paper, but that's moot if he can't pull the trigger, or if he has no pocket.
RB
2024- Trayanum, DSM, Wilcox, Patterson
2025- Dowdell, Wilcox, Patterson, Mizell
The top of the 2024 rotation was experienced. Once Trayanum got hurt, OL inadequacies were reflected in RB performance. If the OL is better now, our running game should be a LOT better. It's about our OL.
TE
2024- Kattus, Dingle, Anderson, Rodriguez
2025- Kattus, Rodriguez, Boyer, Skinner
The comparison boils down to how improved Willie Rodriguez will be with a season of experience. I'm betting he will be much improved. Kattus is solid, tough, and experienced. Boyer looks mainly like a run blocking specialist. Skinner is a wildcard who could achieve more as a receiver in 2025 than we anticipate.
WR
2024- Brown, Key, Maclin, Farrier, Gilmore, ABS
2025- Stellato, Edwards, Hester, Law, Maclin, Farrier, Miller(s), Simmons
Losing Gilmore was a blow, because he has 4 years of eligibility. Losing Brown hurts at several levels although Brown was never a solid route runner. Losing Key and Shorts to NE was a reputational hit for Stoops. But, remarkably, our 2025 rotation is as good or better. Stellato and Edwards are legitimate X receivers. Law is a three-level threat. Hester has major size and upside. Maclin was underutilized in 2024 and has something to prove. Dejerrian Miller and Cam Miller are future starters.
OL
2024- Cox, Burton, Cox, Farmer, Mincey, Ray, Wood, Selm
2025- Pete, Braun, Wibberley, Farmer, Wollschlaeger, Burton, Wood, Unamba, Selm, Nave
Herein lies the most important difference between our 2024 and 2025 offenses. This is a much better OL. Our new OTs represent big improvements. On the inside, Braun is a great addition and Farmer has another year of experience. The SEC is a step up for Wibberley but Coach Wolford likes him. There is more quality depth now. Wood still has upside. Selm and Darrin Strey are future starters.
DL
2024- Silver, Walker, Hayes, Saunders, Rybka, Oxendine, DHY
2025- Hayes, Ramsey, Williams, Gusta, Saunders, DHY, Gadson, Gilbert, Edwards, Smith, Grace, Robinson
On paper, our 2024 DL was a strength. Then Hayes, DHY, and Gadson got hurt, while Walker and Silver underachieved. Our 2025 DL is deeper and arguably as good. Better depth means fresher players in 4th quarters of close games. Hayes, DHY, and Gadson are healthy now. Gusta and Grace were among the better defensive players in the portal. Smith is a future starter and Robinson has huge upside. Saunders is very underrated. Now healthy, Gadson could surprise.
LB
2024- Weaver, Jackson, JDJ, Afari, Fearbry, Matthews, Soles
2025- Olds, Watson, Rayner, Afari, Soles, Godfrey, Smith(s), Greene
Jackson and JDJ are difficult to replace. But our 2025 rotations are deeper. Watson and Olds are quality portal additions. Afari still has more upside and Rayner is underrated. The list of young LB talent is very impressive, but when will they be ready? Hopefully, soon. I have my eye on Grant Godfrey, Devin Smith, and Jacob Smith. Quintavion Norman and Antwan Smith are underrated prospects.
DB
2024- Childress, Lovett, Story, Bryant, Hairston, Hardaway, Dunn, Waller, Addison, Nichols, Dooley
2025- Lovett, Bryant, Dooley, Carter, Smith, Dunn, Scott, Hardaway, Waller, Nichols, Addison, Thomas
Losing Childress and Hairston is tough. But the depth of excellent young talent in our secondary is notable. Nichols and Carter look like future all SEC players. Hardaway, Dunn, Addison, and Waller are experienced returnees. Not much has been said so far about Quaysheed Scott and Jaden Smith, but they were two of the highest rated recruits in last year's class. True freshman CB Andrew Purcell is the highest rated recruit in the incoming class.
Special teams
Losing Brown and Raynor hurts. But punter Aidan Laros is back, so the all important field position game is in good hands. It is being said that Coach Boulware really likes new placekicker Jacob Kauwe. Kendrick Law was a dangerous punt returner at AL so he somewhat limits the damage done by losing Brown.
Meanwhile, I am recovering from another surgery and looking forward to spring practice. I don't worry about schedules. The schedule takes care of itself. Playing in the SEC means bringing your A game every week. UK didn't do that in 2024, so results reflected that. Rumors persist that there were big problems in our locker room, and that the large list of portal departures reflects the staff's response to that. Not every departure was a locker room problem, but some were. Coach Stoops has now reshaped his team and obviously intends to restore the culture we had here in 2018. He is right to try. I think the pieces are there now. But, again, football seasons usually boil down to a relatively small number of pivotal plays. When we beat Ole Miss, we executed those pivotal plays. For the most part, that didn't happen for the rest of the season, largely because our QB, OL, DL didn't get the job done. Now, almost all of those jobs are being reassigned. If not literally the most important season in Stoops' career, this will certainly be one of them. This time, four wins won't get it done. But, again, the pieces are there to do much better. Is the culture more conducive for success this time? I remain optimistic. Does Mitch Barnhart have Jon Sumrall on speed dial? I really don't know. But that isn't too farfetched this time. I just hope for the best and keep up my contributions to 15.
So there has been an offseason discussion about whether our coaches have accomplished enough with the transfer portal to reshape our roster. My opinion is that our 2025 roster is significantly improved.
The problem is that 14 of UK's 19 inbound transfers will apparently use up their eligibility in 2025. That includes almost all of the projected starters among the transfers. So, while our 2025 roster appears significantly improved, Coach Stoops and his staff will need to undertake a similar rebuild through the portal again a year from now. Let me give an example. Kendrick Law or Troy Stellato may be every bit as effective for us (if not more so) than Hardley Gilmore would have been. But Gilmore has 4 years of eligibility left, whereas Law and Stellato will be gone after 2025. FWIW, both projected starting OTs, Pete and Wollschlaeger, will also be gone after 2025. So it isn't just a question of whether our 2025 roster is better. (It clearly is.) The question is whether Stoops and his staff can do a better job every year of managing their roster than they have done recently. Maybe they can, but that must be proven in an environment of NIH, SEC expansion (TX, OK), and rules changes including inevitable expansion to 100+ scholarships. It's a tall order for a program in a small state bordering B10 country, and will clearly require more focus by all concerned including administration, coaches, fans, and corporate supporters. And since rules changes continue to constitute a moving target, innovation will be more critical than ever.
Let's segue to comparisons of starting lineup and rotation projections.
QB
2024- Vandagriff, Wimsatt, Boley
2025- Calzada, Boley, Saunders
I was optimistic about Vandagriff, because Kirby Smart signed him. But his lack of playing experience hurt once our OL turned out subpar. I am also optimistic about Calzada but, again, everything starts upfront. I have no doubt Calzada is mentally tougher and more aggressive than Vandagriff. Vandagriff may have more skills on paper, but that's moot if he can't pull the trigger, or if he has no pocket.
RB
2024- Trayanum, DSM, Wilcox, Patterson
2025- Dowdell, Wilcox, Patterson, Mizell
The top of the 2024 rotation was experienced. Once Trayanum got hurt, OL inadequacies were reflected in RB performance. If the OL is better now, our running game should be a LOT better. It's about our OL.
TE
2024- Kattus, Dingle, Anderson, Rodriguez
2025- Kattus, Rodriguez, Boyer, Skinner
The comparison boils down to how improved Willie Rodriguez will be with a season of experience. I'm betting he will be much improved. Kattus is solid, tough, and experienced. Boyer looks mainly like a run blocking specialist. Skinner is a wildcard who could achieve more as a receiver in 2025 than we anticipate.
WR
2024- Brown, Key, Maclin, Farrier, Gilmore, ABS
2025- Stellato, Edwards, Hester, Law, Maclin, Farrier, Miller(s), Simmons
Losing Gilmore was a blow, because he has 4 years of eligibility. Losing Brown hurts at several levels although Brown was never a solid route runner. Losing Key and Shorts to NE was a reputational hit for Stoops. But, remarkably, our 2025 rotation is as good or better. Stellato and Edwards are legitimate X receivers. Law is a three-level threat. Hester has major size and upside. Maclin was underutilized in 2024 and has something to prove. Dejerrian Miller and Cam Miller are future starters.
OL
2024- Cox, Burton, Cox, Farmer, Mincey, Ray, Wood, Selm
2025- Pete, Braun, Wibberley, Farmer, Wollschlaeger, Burton, Wood, Unamba, Selm, Nave
Herein lies the most important difference between our 2024 and 2025 offenses. This is a much better OL. Our new OTs represent big improvements. On the inside, Braun is a great addition and Farmer has another year of experience. The SEC is a step up for Wibberley but Coach Wolford likes him. There is more quality depth now. Wood still has upside. Selm and Darrin Strey are future starters.
DL
2024- Silver, Walker, Hayes, Saunders, Rybka, Oxendine, DHY
2025- Hayes, Ramsey, Williams, Gusta, Saunders, DHY, Gadson, Gilbert, Edwards, Smith, Grace, Robinson
On paper, our 2024 DL was a strength. Then Hayes, DHY, and Gadson got hurt, while Walker and Silver underachieved. Our 2025 DL is deeper and arguably as good. Better depth means fresher players in 4th quarters of close games. Hayes, DHY, and Gadson are healthy now. Gusta and Grace were among the better defensive players in the portal. Smith is a future starter and Robinson has huge upside. Saunders is very underrated. Now healthy, Gadson could surprise.
LB
2024- Weaver, Jackson, JDJ, Afari, Fearbry, Matthews, Soles
2025- Olds, Watson, Rayner, Afari, Soles, Godfrey, Smith(s), Greene
Jackson and JDJ are difficult to replace. But our 2025 rotations are deeper. Watson and Olds are quality portal additions. Afari still has more upside and Rayner is underrated. The list of young LB talent is very impressive, but when will they be ready? Hopefully, soon. I have my eye on Grant Godfrey, Devin Smith, and Jacob Smith. Quintavion Norman and Antwan Smith are underrated prospects.
DB
2024- Childress, Lovett, Story, Bryant, Hairston, Hardaway, Dunn, Waller, Addison, Nichols, Dooley
2025- Lovett, Bryant, Dooley, Carter, Smith, Dunn, Scott, Hardaway, Waller, Nichols, Addison, Thomas
Losing Childress and Hairston is tough. But the depth of excellent young talent in our secondary is notable. Nichols and Carter look like future all SEC players. Hardaway, Dunn, Addison, and Waller are experienced returnees. Not much has been said so far about Quaysheed Scott and Jaden Smith, but they were two of the highest rated recruits in last year's class. True freshman CB Andrew Purcell is the highest rated recruit in the incoming class.
Special teams
Losing Brown and Raynor hurts. But punter Aidan Laros is back, so the all important field position game is in good hands. It is being said that Coach Boulware really likes new placekicker Jacob Kauwe. Kendrick Law was a dangerous punt returner at AL so he somewhat limits the damage done by losing Brown.
Meanwhile, I am recovering from another surgery and looking forward to spring practice. I don't worry about schedules. The schedule takes care of itself. Playing in the SEC means bringing your A game every week. UK didn't do that in 2024, so results reflected that. Rumors persist that there were big problems in our locker room, and that the large list of portal departures reflects the staff's response to that. Not every departure was a locker room problem, but some were. Coach Stoops has now reshaped his team and obviously intends to restore the culture we had here in 2018. He is right to try. I think the pieces are there now. But, again, football seasons usually boil down to a relatively small number of pivotal plays. When we beat Ole Miss, we executed those pivotal plays. For the most part, that didn't happen for the rest of the season, largely because our QB, OL, DL didn't get the job done. Now, almost all of those jobs are being reassigned. If not literally the most important season in Stoops' career, this will certainly be one of them. This time, four wins won't get it done. But, again, the pieces are there to do much better. Is the culture more conducive for success this time? I remain optimistic. Does Mitch Barnhart have Jon Sumrall on speed dial? I really don't know. But that isn't too farfetched this time. I just hope for the best and keep up my contributions to 15.
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