When Will Stein arrived in Lexington, he inherited a quarterback room that had been stripped down to its bare essentials. The departure of Cutter Boley to Arizona State left a clear vacancy, and the coaching staff moved quickly to reshape the unit.
A Fresh Start for the Wildcats' Signal Callers
Kenny Minchey, a Notre Dame transfer, was immediately named the starter, giving the offense a proven leader heading into the first fall scrimmage. At the same time, multiple newcomers entered the competition, including Callum Wither, Carson Cruver, and late‑season recruit Will Drakeford Jr.
Wither’s journey to Kentucky has been marked by transfer experience and steady improvement. After a stint at Ohio University and a productive year at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he threw for under 2,500 yards, the 2026 recruit arrived in Lexington with a reputation for poise and accuracy. Coaches have noted his ability to command the offense, a trait that stood out during the first scrimmage.
Joe Sloan, the quarterbacks coach, praised Wither’s development, pointing to a noticeable jump in command and throwing precision. The staff highlighted the player’s age, experience, and demeanor as factors that could help him separate from the other contenders for the QB2 slot.
The competition is not without its challengers. Brennen Ward, who impressed during spring practices, and Matt Ponatoski, a 2026 recruit, are also in the mix. Meanwhile, the departure of JacQai Long from Marshall, who missed the 2024 season, left a gap that the coaching staff is evaluating.
With the season opener fast approaching, the Wildcats’ quarterback depth chart is taking shape. Minchey is set to start, but the race for the backup position remains open, with Wither emerging as the frontrunner based on recent performance and coaching endorsement.