Texas vs Kentucky Preview: Offensive Players to Watch

With a new quarterback in the starting lineup, Kentucky's offense must work hard to beat top SEC teams.

University of Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff hands the ball off to wide receiver Barion Brown during spring football practice on Saturday, April 6, 2024. / Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Heading into the 2024 season, Kentucky's offense will see some changes in its lineup. With former quarterback Devin Leary signing for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, the starter role went to Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff.

Vandagriff joined a roster of veterans, with Eli Cox at center and some crucial tacklers in Marques Cox and Tennessee transfer Gerald Mincey, as well as junior wide receiver Dane Key.

As the Wildcats lost both their quarterbacks from the previous season, Vandagriff came into the program leading the numbers in passing yards, despite not being Georgia's starter in 2023. His numbers have only gone up since getting trusted with the starting role by head coach Mark Stoops.

Here are the three key offensive leaders the Longhorns will want to keep an eye on when they play Kentucky at DKR.

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) gets the snap during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

1. QB Brock Vandagriff

Vandagriff played in eight games for the Bulldogs in 2023, all started by All-SEC second-team quarterback Carson Beck.

In his sophomore year, he completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns and rushed five times for 39 yards. Against his now team, Vandagriff completed five of seven passes for 46 yards and one touchdown as a reserve.

Now, as a Wildcat, Vandagriff has 1,542 yards on 211 pass attempts with nine touchdowns, more than his last three years combined.

Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (0) rushes with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

2. RB Demie Sumo-Karngbaye

Senior Demie Sumo-Karngbaye transferred to Kentucky in 2023 following two seasons and 14 games at NC State. In his debut season for the Wildcats, he saw playing time in each of the 13 games, totaling 20 carries for 139 yards and a score as well as 14 receptions for 69 yards and a score.

This year, Sumo-Karngbaye recorded a season-high 98 rushing yards against Georgia and leads the team in the area, with a total of 505 yards on 109 attempts and five touchdowns.

Wide receiver Dane Key is a junior from Lexington, Ky. August 2, 2024 / Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

3. WR Dane Key

Key has played 26 games in his collegiate career, starting in 24 of them and tallying 79 career catches for 1,155 career receiving yards.

The wide receiver led the Wildcats in receiving 636 yards with 42 receptions and six touchdowns, averaging 15.1 yards per catch.

Against Tennesse, Key marked his first 100+ yard receiving career game, and against No. 1 Georgia, he caught a team-high three passes for a team-best 65 yards.

As a junior in 2024, Key has recorded 686 receiving yards with 44 receptions and two touchdowns.

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