Kentucky Targets Veteran Quarterbacks Maalik Murphy and Zach Calzada for 2025 Season
The Kentucky Wildcats are making waves on the quarterback front as they prepare to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. With a need for veteran leadership under center, the Wildcats are aggressively pursuing options in the transfer portal, including Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy and Incarnate Word standout Zach Calzada.
Maalik Murphy Visits Lexington
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Maalik Murphy, the Duke Blue Devils’ starting quarterback, is currently visiting Kentucky and will remain on campus through Tuesday. Murphy, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound signal-caller, has two years of eligibility left and brings both size and arm talent to the table.
Murphy’s journey began in the 2022 recruiting cycle when the California native signed with the Texas Longhorns as a highly regarded prospect. After redshirting his first year, Murphy saw limited action in the 2023 season, completing 40 of 71 passes (56.3%) for 477 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Following his transfer to Duke, Murphy stepped into the starting role in 2024 and made a strong impression. Over the course of the season, he completed 254 of 421 passes (60.3%) for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He also demonstrated some mobility, adding two rushing touchdowns, and earned a solid 75.6 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Murphy’s combination of size, arm strength, and experience makes him a compelling candidate for Kentucky, which is looking for a proven leader to guide the team in the coming season.
Kentucky Expresses Interest in Zach Calzada
While Murphy is actively visiting Lexington, Kentucky is also keeping an eye on Zach Calzada, the veteran quarterback from Incarnate Word. According to KSR’s Nick Roush, the Wildcats are targeting Calzada, though a visit to campus has yet to be scheduled. Calzada, who has one year of eligibility remaining, has had a unique journey through college football.
Originally a member of Texas A&M’s 2019 recruiting class, Calzada spent his first two seasons in a backup role before taking over as the Aggies’ starter in 2021. That season, he made headlines by leading Texas A&M to an upset victory over then-No. 1 Alabama, finishing the year with 2,185 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while earning an impressive 80.3 PFF grade.
Calzada transferred to Auburn in 2022 but failed to secure the starting job, prompting another move. After recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, he landed at FCS powerhouse Incarnate Word, where he has been the starting quarterback for the past two seasons.
In 2024, Calzada put up eye-popping numbers, completing 343 of 524 passes (65.5%) for 3,744 yards and 35 touchdowns while throwing just nine interceptions. He also added 332 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Calzada’s accuracy and experience make him another intriguing option for Kentucky as they search for a seasoned quarterback.
What’s Next for Kentucky?
The Wildcats’ pursuit of a veteran quarterback underscores their commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2025 season. While the team has young talent in the pipeline, securing a proven leader like Murphy or Calzada could provide the stability and production needed to elevate the offense.
Maalik Murphy’s visit to Lexington signals serious interest from both sides, and Kentucky’s coaching staff will undoubtedly look to make a strong impression. Meanwhile, the door remains open for Zach Calzada, whose vast experience and recent success at Incarnate Word could also make him a valuable addition to the Wildcats’ quarterback room.
As Kentucky continues to evaluate its options, fans can expect further developments in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: the Wildcats are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the next chapter of their football program.
