Will Stein has built a reputation as one of the most quarterback-friendly minds in college football - and the numbers back it up. Bo Nix completed 77% of his passes under Stein.
Dillon Gabriel threw for over 4,000 yards. This isn’t just a system that works - it’s a system that thrives when the right quarterback is at the controls.
But here’s the problem for Kentucky: right now, that quarterback doesn’t exist on their roster.
Zach Calzada is gone. Cutter Boley is weighing his options and could be on the move.
The two freshmen - Brennan Ward and Stone Saunders - are talented but unproven. That leaves Will Stein with a high-octane offense and no clear trigger man to run it.
So where does Kentucky turn to keep this machine humming? Here are four quarterbacks who could fit the mold and step into Stein’s system right away.
1. Austin Novosad - Oregon
This one makes a lot of sense. Novosad was a 4-star recruit who ended up at Oregon but saw limited action after losing the starting job to Dante Moore.
The key here? He already knows Stein’s system.
He doesn’t need to learn the playbook - he’s lived it. With two years of eligibility remaining, Novosad would be a plug-and-play option who could hit the ground running in Lexington.
For a team looking for immediate stability, that’s gold.
2. LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina
This would be a big swing - and potentially a home run. Sellers had a tough year at South Carolina, battling injuries and inconsistency on a struggling team.
But the raw talent is undeniable. He still managed to throw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024, despite the chaos around him.
If Stein could do for Sellers what he did for Bo Nix - clean up the efficiency and simplify the reads - Kentucky might have a star on its hands. It’s a risk, but the upside is massive.
3. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele - Cal
Don’t let the name trip you up - JKS can play. He was originally committed to Oregon and Will Stein before flipping to Cal, where he won the starting job as a true freshman.
He threw for over 3,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in Year 1. Yes, he’s still raw, but the tools are there.
And the connection with Stein runs deep. If Kentucky can bring him into the fold, they’d be landing a quarterback with SEC potential and a pre-existing comfort level with the offensive scheme.
4. DJ Lagway - Florida
If you’re looking for upside, Lagway might be the most intriguing name on the list. Injuries derailed his season at Florida, but the arm talent is off the charts.
He’s got one of the best deep balls in college football - the kind of arm that can stretch a defense and make every blade of grass a threat. If Kentucky can surround him with a few legit weapons on the outside, Lagway could be a high-upside reclamation project that pays off in a big way.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the immediate transfer market, Kentucky does have some future talent coming in. Matt Ponatoski is expected to sign with the Wildcats today, and Austin Beaver - who was previously committed to Oregon - is also part of the pipeline.
But those are long-term plays. Right now, Stein needs someone who can take the reins in 2025.
Kentucky’s offense has the scheme. It just needs the quarterback. And with Stein calling the shots, don’t be surprised if one of these names ends up turning heads in Lexington sooner rather than later.