Kentucky’s quarterback room has undergone a significant shake-up heading into the 2026 season, and head coach Will Stein didn’t shy away from addressing the biggest question on fans’ minds: Why isn’t Cutter Boley back in Lexington?
Boley, who started 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2025, is now at Arizona State. And while the move raised some eyebrows, Stein made it clear there’s no bad blood.
“I wish him nothing but the best,” Stein said. “Great person.
Obviously, I recruited him before I went to Oregon. There are just some things that are out of our control.”
That’s as candid as it gets. Stein didn’t dive into specifics, but his message was clear: the program had a plan, and sometimes, even well-laid plans don’t pan out. Boley, a former Lexington Christian star, is moving on, and Kentucky is turning the page.
Enter Kenny Minchey.
The Wildcats’ new QB1 is a Notre Dame transfer with three years of experience under his belt. While he didn’t see extensive action in South Bend, what he did show was efficiency.
Minchey completed 23 of 29 passes in his career - that’s nearly 80% - for 212 yards, including 20 completions for 196 yards last season. He also added 84 rushing yards and a touchdown with his legs.
So, while the sample size is small, the tape shows a guy who can be accurate, mobile, and smart with the football - three traits this Kentucky staff clearly values.
“He’s extremely accurate,” Stein said. “Great athleticism. And when you talk to him, you’ll see - he’s a phenomenal person, very smart.”
Minchey’s pedigree backs that up. Coming out of Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee, he was a consensus four-star recruit, ranked as the 160th overall prospect and the 12th quarterback in his class. He threw for over 5,200 yards and 53 touchdowns in high school, completing more than 63% of his passes.
Stein and his staff did their homework. They spoke with people at Notre Dame, and the feedback was glowing - even suggesting the Irish could’ve still won 10 games with Minchey at the helm.
“I talked to NFL scouts on him,” Stein added. “I feel like he’s got a really high upside in his game. And he is somebody that I was really excited to get.”
That’s not just coach speak. It’s a window into how Kentucky sees Minchey - not just as a stopgap, but as a potential long-term answer under center.
As for Boley, Stein kept it respectful. No drama, no finger-pointing - just a mutual parting of ways.
That’s the nature of today’s college football landscape. With the transfer portal wide open, movement is inevitable.
What matters most is how programs respond.
Kentucky responded by landing a quarterback they believe in. A guy who checks the boxes on and off the field. And as spring ball approaches, all eyes will be on Minchey to see if he can take the reins and lead the Wildcats into a new era.