Mark Stoops on Will Levis: ‘He’s a true professional’

The Kentucky Wildcats season came to an end last Saturday, and it wasn’t exactly the ending they were hoping for. The Wildcats started the season hot, climbing as high as No.7 in the AP poll rankings. Unfortunately, Kentucky could not survive the gauntlet known as the SEC, finishing the year with a 7-5 record. To top it off, star quarterback Will Levis will not be returning next season after declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. And with their 26-13 victory over Louisville possibly his last game, Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops gave his thoughts on what Levis has meant to the program.

“It’s hard to put in words what he’s meant to us,” said Stoops. “Again, his toughness, his leadership, battling through adversity, coming here and having a great year going through an offensive coordinator change, getting beat up; having a year where he wasn’t 100 percent, but he fought through it. He’s a true professional, and he set the tone for us here. We absolutely love him, whether it’s his last game or he plays one more. It would never change my opinion of him. I think the world of him and love what he’s done for us. And I don’t want anything but the best for him and his future.”

If the victory over Louisville is indeed Levis’ last game with Kentucky, he exits the program following two impressive seasons with Kentucky. The senior quarterback has completed 418 of his 636 pass attempts for a 65.7 completion percentage. Levis is also amassed 5,232 yards with 43 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions as a Wildcat.

Kentucky Football players collecting toys and books for Eastern Kentucky children

While Kentucky Football awaits its postseason fate, some of the players are using their free time away from the field to bring holiday cheer to families in need.

This upcoming Sunday, the Cats Holiday Toy Drive will hold its final donation event outside Kroger Field in Lexington. If you’re interested in participating, the team asks for toys and books for the children of Eastern Kentucky who were impacted by the devastating flooding in their area. Kentucky players and other generous volunteers will be stationed in the Blue Lot from 12 to 4 PM to take your donations for delivery to the children. You’ll find the toy drive set up outside Gate 12 — that’s the corner closest to the team’s facility, practice fields, and the statue honoring Nate Northington, Greg Page, Wilbur Hackett and Houston Hogg.

Toy drives are always important this time of year, but never more than this Christmas in Eastern Kentucky so please consider giving however you can through whatever charity you can, if you’re able.