Kentucky falls to No. 14 Vanderbilt in final SEC matchup

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Wildcats fell in their final SEC matchup of the 2025 season with a 45–17 loss at No. 14 Vanderbilt.

The Kentucky offense struggled and was one-dimensional throughout the game. The Wildcats recorded 315 total yards of offense, with 284 of those coming through the air. Cutter Boley completed 26 of 44 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was briefly replaced by Zach Calzada due to an injury but returned after two drives. Tight end Willie Rodriguez led the Wildcats in receiving with six catches for 78 yards.

The Kentucky defense had no answer for the Vanderbilt offense after the first quarter, allowing more than 600 total yards and six touchdowns. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia recorded a career high with 484 passing yards and accounted for all six touchdowns.

Kentucky’s bowl hopes will come down to the Battle for the Governor’s Cup next week, when the Cats travel to L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium to take on the Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff is set for noon on the ACC Network.