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Kentucky Football takes the field

Five quarterbacks Kentucky should pursue in the transfer portal

Which quarterback will Kentucky get in the transfer portal?

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Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky is in the market for a transfer quarterback after Devin Leary didn't pan out in Lexington. 

There are plenty of viable options in the portal and Kentucky has proven they are willing to spend some money in the portal at the quarterback position. 

Let's take a look at five quarterbacks Kentucky should target in the transfer portal. 

Brock Vandagriff

Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) warms up before the start of the SEC Championship game against Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Brock Vandagriff is the number one target for the Cats. The former five-star recruit in the 2021 class he been a backup at Georgia for a long time and would fit into Kentucky's system with Liam Coen. Vandagriff hasn't played much but is a really talented quarterback. Kentucky is already receiving crystal balls to land Vandagriff. If this were to happen, there would be a ton of optimism heading into next season. 

Will Rogers

Nov 23, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) reacts during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Will Rogers has been at Mississippi State for a long time and has had a bunch of success. After the passing of Coach Mike Leach, the new coaching staff's system didn't fit Rogers, leading to a poor 2023 season. He is a really good player that would be a good fit in Lexington if the Cats wanted him. He is a veteran who has proven he can win in the SEC. 

Tyler Van Dyke

Nov 24, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) runs against the Boston College Eaglesduring the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Van Dyke is another veteran quarterback who has had a career full of ups and down playing for the Miami Hurricanes. Kentucky has been a name associated with Van Dyke, so if something falls through with Vandagriff, this is a name to pay attention to. He's not my favorite option, but he's a solid quarterback who has played a lot of college football. 

Will Howard

Nov 25, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Will Howard was a name floating around as Kentucky's next potential quarterback last week after he announced he would enter the portal when it opens. Howard, like some of these other names, has played a lot of football, proving he can win games in the Big 12. I would take Howard over a player like Van Dyke but not some of the other options. Howard is a gritty quarterback who likes to win. 

DJ Uiagalelei

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) rolls out to pass the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Uiagalelei didn't have the Clemson career many expected but found a new home playing for the Oregon State Beavers. Uiagalelei had a good year for the Beavers, but after his coach left for the Michigan State job, he decided to hit the portal. He's a player coming off the best season of his college football career who could be a good fit in Lexington if the staff goes after him. 

If I had to rank the options, this is how it would go in my opinion. 

1. Brock Vandagriff

2. Will Rogers 

3. DJ Uiagalelei 

4. Will Howard 

5. Tyler Van Dyke

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