Kentucky names Zach Calzada starting quarterback

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The University of Kentucky has named veteran transfer Zach Calzada as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

Calzada, who has previously played at Texas A&M, Auburn, and Incarnate Word, will make his UK debut August 30 when the Wildcats host Toledo. He has started 32 career games.

Last season at Incarnate Word, Calzada threw for nearly 3,800 yards and 35 touchdowns, ranking second and fifth nationally in FCS statistics. He earned the starting job after an impressive camp battle with redshirt freshman Cutter Boley.

Calzada’s most memorable performance came in 2021, when he led Texas A&M to an upset win over No. 1 Alabama, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns.