Kentucky will face numerous star quarterbacks in 2024

We saw the Kentucky defense take a step back in 2023 as the pass defense posted some bad numbers finishing the year ranked No. 86 in passing EPA/play, No. 123 in passing success rate, and No. 127 in completion percentage allowed. The Wildcats did a decent job of eliminating explosive plays, but this unit was constantly playing behind the chains in the passing game.

Part of the reason for the lackluster pass defense was due to competition. Kentucky faced four top-20 offenses last season and each scored at least 33 points against the Wildcats. Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee all averaged over 10 yards per attempt. UK finished the season 0-4 against these offenses.

Those challenges are not going to go away in 2024.

Kentucky is projected to see four top-15 offenses this season, according to ESPN’s SP+ rankings. Each has a star quarterback who is listed among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy at FanDuel.

Heisman Trophy contenders on Kentucky’s schedule

Carson Beck (+750)

The redshirt senior waited three long years to get his chance at starting in Athens and capitalized on his opportunity. Beck finished the season with 3,941 passing yards trailing only Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. Beck kept the Bulldogs ahead of the chains (74.2% completion rate, 54.7% success rate) and created explosives (9.5 yards per attempt, 23.3% explosive rate). Beck is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and potentially become the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Quinn Ewers (+900)

The former No. 1 overall recruit and Ohio State transfer is now in year three as the QB1 at Texas and enters the season with high expectations. Steve Sarkisian has built a roster than can win the national championship and Ewers is a big reason why. The redshirt junior has thrown for 5,656 yards and 37 touchdowns over the last two years in Austin and threw for 300-plus yards in multiple big games last season. If Texas wins the SEC, Ewers will be a big reason why.

Nico Iamaleava (15/1)

Tennessee’s NIL collective paid a lot of money to get the five-star recruit from Southern California to Rocky Top and that has created sky-high expectations. There is a lot of projecting happening when discussing what Iamaleava could produce as a sophomore, but the scheme fit and raw traits are obvious. The second-year player could post monster numbers in Josh Heupel‘s spread tempo offense and that could make him a Heisman Trophy contender if the wins follow.

Jaxson Dart (15/1)

Ole Miss has gone all-in after an 11-2 season as Dart is entering his third year as Lane Kiffin‘s starting quarterback. The former USC transfer has accumulated 7,691 passing yards and 63 total touchdowns during his collegiate career. The senior is a true dual-threat having rushed for 500-plus yards in both seasons at Ole Miss. Many see the Rebels as a true national title contender and Dart could push for a 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards season. The Utah native could very well see himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation in November.

Kentucky will need to beat a star quarterback in 2024 to make a run at a 9-3 or better season again.