The circumstances of Kentucky’s season opener were not ideal. Kickoff was delayed for over two hours, and the Wildcats were only able to play two and a half quarters before another lighting delay ultimately ended the contest.

However, they were able to cover the spread and give fans a promising first look at this Kentucky team, especially Georgia transfer quarterback Brock Vandagriff.

In his first collegiate start, Vandagriff’s performance was not mistake-free. In fact, there was miscommunication on Kentucky’s first offensive drive, which ended with an interception.

But as the delay heightened anxiousness of his first start wore off, and he grew more comfortable, he helped lead the Wildcats down the field to score on five of their last six drives, including three passing touchdowns.

What was most impressive was his ability to navigate the pocket, and use his legs to extend or make plays. To some, even head coach Mark Stoops, Vandagriff looked Will Levis-like in that regard.

“He did look like Will on a couple of those runs,” Stoops said after the game.” He’s tough and physical, and he played about like I expected him to. That is a big piece of it when a guy can run like him. You always have to be alert for that, and I thought he was tough and showed maturity, but he showed some toughness. He’s grown up. Again, it’s a great starting point for him.”

Kentucky transfer linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson has had a front-row seat to Vandagriff’s college career, committing to Georgia along with Vandagriff as part of the 2021 class and following him to Lexington this offseason. What did he think of his QB’s performance?

“To be live, he did a good job,” Dumas-Johnson said during postgame interviews. “It will only go up from here. Expectations are only going up from here. SEC opponent next week, so have to turn it up a little bit and keep moving on.”

For the shortened game, Vandagriff totaled 169 yards passing on 12/18 passing, 35 yards rushing on five attempts, and three passing touchdowns. These aren’t eye-popping numbers, but a very good start nonetheless.

For his efforts, Vandagriff earned an 82.1 Pro Football Focus grade, which led all Kentucky offensive players, was third-best on the team, and is the 35th-highest mark of 123 college football QBs who’ve played at least 20% of their team’s offensive snaps.

Next week, Vandagriff will get his first start against SEC competition as the Wildcats take on South Carolina in what is considered a must-win for Kentucky to have a 7+ win season.

YAHTZEE!

The Kentucky Wildcats have added the top-ranked player in the state and one of the top safeties in the country to their 2025 recruiting class.

On Saturday, Martels Carter Jr. announced his commitment to the Wildcats!

“BBN I’M HOME”

A unanimous 4-star prospect and top 20 safety nationally, Carter chose the Cats over finalists Auburn Tigers, Colorado Buffalo, and Louisville. He also held offers from some of the biggest programs in the sport, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon among others.

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Carter moved to Paducah last summer where he starred for Paducah Tilghman High School, helping them to an undefeated regular season and a deep run in the 4A state playoffs, falling in the semifinals.

While it’s okay to celebrate his commitment, it will still be a battle until signing day. Auburn is seen as Kentucky’s biggest threat with Carter planning multiple visits, and he also has a family connection to Deion Sander’s Colorado program.

That said, he will almost certainly take an official visit to Kentucky this fall. Vince Marrow has made Carter a priority of this class and will do everything in his power to retain the talented defensive back.

Carter makes the sixth commitment for Kentucky’s 2025 class, to go along with two talented offensive players and fellow four-star recruits Quintin Simmons Jr (WR) and Marquise Davis (RB).

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

On the eve of a huge recruiting weekend for Kentucky football, the program has received some bad news. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is leaving for the NFL again, this time taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator position.

When Coen returned to Kentucky last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams, for his second stint as offensive coordinator, he talked about Lexington being a place that he and his wife had missed. In his return press conference, on January 12, 2023, he went as far as saying he wanted to be somewhere for a “few years”, at least.

“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a little bit. Be somewhere for a few years — at least — that you feel really good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington… I’m not in a rush to go anywhere.”

That “few years” was just a year, but to be honest, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. After many games last season, Coen talked to the media with frustration about fundamental things such as lack of discipline and dropped passes. Even then, it always felt he was holding his words back. With his name circulating around multiple NFL jobs, it was clear this was the direction it was heading.

Now for Kentucky, it’s about getting the next hire right. In a time where offense is becoming the premium in college football, going through five offensive coordinators in ten seasons is not ideal. Paying $1.8 million to Coen, they have shown they will pay amongst the top in the country. Now, go get someone who keeps this core of offensive talent, can recruit, and brings much-needed consistency.