Kentucky QB Zach Calzada reveals massive muscle gain during 2025 offseason

Zach Calzada plans on looking like a different player in the 2025 campaign — literally. In an interview with UK Sports Network’s Michelle Knezovic, the Kentucky QB revealed what physical changes he’s made since transferring to UK this offseason.

“I was just watching a bunch of my film from [when I was at] Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago and I think my game has evolved tremendously,” Calazada said. “I’m 25 to 30 pounds heavier than I was. I’m running probably two miles an hour faster than I was.

“On top of all that, I think, as a man, I’ve developed and my mind has developed to be able to handle the challenges in a different and much better way. And to also handle success in a better way as well.”

Calzada spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Texas A&M. In his redshirt sophomore season with the Aggies, Calzada made 12 appearances and 10 starts.

He finished the year with 2,185 passing yards and 17 touchdowns compared to just nine interceptions. He completed 56.1% of his pass attempts on the season.

Calzada had one of the best performances of his career in Texas A&M’s 41-38 win over Alabama, which was ranked No. 1 at the time. In the win, Calzada completed 21-of-his-31 pass attempts for 285 passing yards and three touchdowns while only throwing one interception.

For his efforts, he was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. After the season, Calzada transferred to Auburn, where he injured his shoulder and ultimately didn’t play.

From there, Calzada moved down to FCS, transferring to Incarnate Word, the former home of 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Ward. After spending two standout campaigns at UIW, Zach Calzada landed at Kentucky. The seventh-year senior is excited to finish his collegiate career on a high note.

“It’s great to be back [in the SEC],” Calzada said in February. “I’ve said before, I’ve been itching to get back here since I left. It’s been a long road. There were definitely times where I was wondering if I would ever get back to playing a really high level of football but it’s always been the goal.

“My parents preach persistence and just faith in the lord, and I’m extremely happy to be back… My journey is unique and I’m extremely thankful for it. I think I bring a level of toughness and resilience to the football field.”