Today’s Kentucky football spring showcase: Kroger Field highlights and UK practice updates

LEXINGTON, Ky.field at Kroger Field on Saturday for their annual Spring Showcase, the official close to spring football practices. For a program still reeling from a disappointing 4–8 finish in 2024, the showcase offered more than a glorified scrimmage — it was a critical checkpoint in the team’s effort to restore its identity under veteran head coach Mark Stoops.

“This spring has been about more than X’s and O’s,” Stoops told reporters after the event. “It’s been about reclaiming our standard — discipline, effort, and leadership. I saw glimpses of that today.”

As more than 10,000 fans watched from the stands, the two-hour event highlighted a roster still under construction, but one that’s clearly turned the page on last year’s frustrations. With transfer quarterback Zach Calzada leading the offense and a motivated defense playing with pride, the Spring Showcase felt like the symbolic start of Kentucky’s 2025 campaign.

A Quarterback with Command: Calzada Leads the Way

Much of the conversation heading into spring revolved around the quarterback position. After inconsistent quarterback play doomed Kentucky in 2024, the addition of Zach Calzada — formerly of Texas A&M and Auburn — offered experience and poise.

Calzada delivered in front of the fans, completing over 70% of his passes and leading multiple scoring drives. The senior showed improved chemistry with a relatively young receiving corps, particularly with breakout sophomore wideout David Washington Jr., who caught a 25-yard touchdown pass and consistently found soft spots in the secondary.

“Zach’s a professional,” offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan said. “He gets guys lined up, he’s accurate, and he brings that SEC experience you can’t teach. You can see the guys rally around him.”

Though the offense didn’t unleash its full playbook, Calzada displayed enough arm strength and accuracy to cement his standing atop the depth chart heading into the summer.

The Emergence of David Washington Jr.

One of the biggest revelations of the day was sophomore receiver David Washington Jr., who has taken a giant leap this spring. With Barion Brown limited due to injury precautions and Dane Key not fully participating, Washington seized the spotlight.

His touchdown grab was a thing of beauty — a crisp post route that left his defender trailing and a strong finish through contact in the end zone.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Washington said. “Coaches challenged me this offseason to be more than just a role guy. I’m trying to be that dude.”

With the receiving corps looking to expand beyond its top two targets, Washington could be the answer. His route running, hands, and ability to find seams in the defense earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.

An Offensive Line in Progress

Kentucky’s offensive line, a unit that struggled mightily in 2024, showed mixed results during the scrimmage. There were moments of cohesion in run blocking, particularly during an early red zone series that saw JuTahn McClain break through for a 15-yard gain. But pass protection remains a concern — Calzada was hurried several times, and backup QB Cutter Boley was sacked twice.

“It’s a work in progress,” said offensive line coach Zach Yenser. “We’ve got some new faces, some guys stepping into bigger roles. The spring was about reestablishing fundamentals, and we’ll continue to build in the summer.”

With summer transfer additions likely, the unit will need to solidify its identity quickly if Kentucky hopes to compete in a loaded SEC East. Defense Responds with Pride

If last season’s defensive woes left a bitter taste, the spring showcase proved the Wildcats are determined to correct them. The defense played fast, physical, and most importantly — disciplined.

Leading the way was safety Ty Bryant, who flew around the field making stops in both the run and pass game. Bryant, now a junior, has emerged as a vocal leader on the back end.

“We remember 4–8,” Bryant said. “We remember what it felt like to not get stops when it mattered. That memory drives us. It has to.”

The defensive line also made its presence felt. Khalil Saunders and Keeshawn Silver clogged running lanes, while sophomore linebacker Keaten Wade notched a pair of tackles for loss and showed much-improved lateral movement.

Defensive coordinator Brad White was visibly animated throughout the session, preaching urgency and fundamentals on the sidelines.

“I thought our guys flew around,” White said postgame. “We’ve been hammering effort and execution all spring. There’s a different energy to this group.”

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## Freshman Buzz: Cutter Boley and Cortez Riggins

True freshman quarterback Cutter Boley, the prized early enrollee from Lexington Christian Academy, had an up-and-down outing but flashed elite arm talent. His timing was off on a few throws, but he showed command for a freshman, especially during a third-quarter drive that ended with a 12-yard strike to tight end Darius Lassiter.

“Cutter’s going to be a big-time player here,” Stoops said. “He’s already got the respect of the locker room. We’re going to bring him along the right way.”

Another freshman who turned heads was defensive back Cortez Riggins. The Georgia native nearly had a pick-six early in the scrimmage and locked down his side of the field for most of the day. With Kentucky looking to rebuild its secondary, Riggins may find himself in the rotation sooner than expected.

Special Teams Consistency

Kicker Alex Raynor, the Georgia Southern transfer who joined Kentucky last season, was perfect on his field goal attempts, converting from 29, 37, and 44 yards. Raynor’s consistency is a welcome development for a team that lost several close games due to missed kicks.

New special teams coordinator Jay Boulware has emphasized precision and intensity in the kicking game this spring.

“We’re not going to beat ourselves with special teams mistakes,” Boulware said. “We’re going to be aggressive, smart, and detailed.”

The Stoops Standard: “Accountability and Edge”

Perhaps the most important theme of the day wasn’t found in a highlight or a stat line — it was in Stoops’ message. After over a decade at the helm, Stoops knows how to rebuild. He did it once before in Lexington, and he’s starting again with a team that lost its edge last fall.

“This is a different team,” Stoops told reporters. “There’s hunger in the locker room. Guys are taking ownership. That’s what it’s going to take to get back to where we want to be.”

He singled out linebacker D’Eryk Jackson and offensive lineman Kenneth Horsey for their leadership and offseason work, and emphasized that culture change doesn’t happen overnight — but it’s happening.

Portal Watch: Changes Coming

With the NCAA transfer portal window opening on April 16, roster movement is inevitable. Stoops acknowledged that several players may enter the portal, while Kentucky will be actively searching for reinforcements, especially at cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver.

“We know there are a few needs,” Stoops said. “We’ll look at everything. And yes, we expect some movement.”

One name to watch is former Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips, who recently re-entered the portal after a stint at Vanderbilt. A reunion isn’t guaranteed, but the staff hasn’t ruled it out.

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## Fans Return with Hope

Saturday’s showcase wasn’t just about football — it was about re-engaging a fanbase that had become disillusioned. With the Cats’ late-season collapse in 2024 still fresh, Kentucky needed a good showing.

Fans responded with energy, optimism, and applause — especially during Washington’s touchdown and Calzada’s late-game precision. For a program that prides itself on blue-collar effort, it was a welcome return to form.

“This felt right,” said UK alum Matt Connors, who brought his two sons to the game. “It reminded me of the Stoops teams from a few years ago — tough, physical, and hungry.”

What’s Next?

The Spring Showcase marked the end of formal practices, but the work is far from over. Players will now enter an intense summer strength and conditioning phase, led by Mark Hill. Team chemistry, leadership council meetings, and player-run practices will be critical.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff turns its focus to the portal and high school recruiting as Kentucky tries to round out a roster capable of competing in the nation’s toughest conference.

Fall camp will open in late July, with the season opener slated for August 30 against Eastern Michigan. SEC play begins September 13 with a daunting road trip to Georgia.

A Step Forward

Kentucky’s 2025 Spring Showcase didn’t answer every question, but it made one thing clear — the Wildcats are taking steps in the right direction.

With Calzada at the helm, a defense on a mission, and leadership returning to the forefront, there’s reason to believe the worst is behind this team. Whether that translates into wins remains to be seen, but for now, hope is back in Lexington.

“This is just the beginning,” said Calzada, walking off the field. “We’re not there yet. But we’re on the way.”