LIVE BLOG: Kroger Field Hosts the Kentucky Football Spring Showcase

Good morning, Big Blue Nation. Today we get to watch some Kentucky football at Kroger Field.

The Spring Showcase will give fans a first look at the new-look Wildcats. Half of the roster was turned over this offseason with defections and new additions from the transfer portal and high school ranks. Today is our first opportunity to see how Zach Calzada spins it behind a rebuilt Big Blue Wall. They will be blocking a defensive line that has become twitchier thanks to some additions from the transfer portal.

The event is open to the public, but will not be broadcast on the SEC Network. Allow KSR to be your eyes and ears for the next two-plus hours at Kroger Field.

We’re expecting this practice to feature some individual drills, followed by a lengthy 11-on-11 scrimmage. KSR will provide LIVE updates all morning before a full afternoon of postgame coverage.

Want more from the Spring Showcase? We will have live updates and analysis from the final Kentucky football spring practice on KSBoard, the KSR Message Board. Join now to receive wall-to-wall coverage from the event.

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By:Nick Roush

Solid Drive for Stone Saunders Ends Spring Showcase

04/12/2025 10:31:03 AM

The true freshman, who holds the Pennsylvania passing yards and touchdown record, got off to a shaky start. After a couple of over-throws during his first appearance on the field, he looked more comfortable on his second drive.

It opened with a long-ball to Clemson transfer Troy Stellato on a crosser that gained about 25 yards. He remained poised in the pocket while finding targets. The drive ended with an impressive touchdown to Montavin Quisenberry, who tipped the ball in the air, then hauled it in at the pylon.

That final touchdown was enough for Mark Stoops, wrapping up the Kentucky Football Spring Showcase after 90 minutes.

By:Nick Roush

Touchdown, Dante Dowdell!

04/12/2025 10:01:45 AM

Cutter Boley got a chance to run with the ones and it looked much cleaner. Jerod Smith probably would have gotten a sack on an explosive pass to Kendrick Law down the field, but that’s an aside to the story of the third drive.

Dante Dowdell did a little bit of everything for the Cats. He had a nice cut-back for a drive-starter that picked up a first down. He also caught a ball in the red zone that set up a first and goal. One play later, the former Husker was in the end zone.

By:Nick Roush

Quisenberry Sparks Scoring Drive

04/12/2025 09:52:17 AM

What the Kentucky Mr. Football from Boyle County lacks in size, he makes up for in play-making ability. While running with the threes, he made a tough catch in the flat, then blew by his defender for a 30+ yard gain that got the Cats into scoring territory. They were unable to punch it into the end zone, but Jacob Kauwe ended the drive with a chip-shot field goal.

By:Nick Roush

Former 4-Star Pops

04/12/2025 09:48:28 AM

Grant Godfrey was one of the highest-ranked prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. The four-star talent dealt with some injuries early in his career. He looks like an SEC linebacker and today we saw some of that potential in pass coverage.

On third and long, it looked like Cutter Boley had an open receiver in the seam. Godfrey got his hand on the ball and tipped it into the air, almost forcing an interception and ending another drive for the twos.

By:Nick Roush

The First Kentucky Touchdown is to an Unexpected Target

04/12/2025 09:41:45 AM

People forget about David Washington Jr. A true sophomore who played on special teams a year ago, he’s getting a lot of run with the ones.

Zach Calzada got the drive started with a long ball to Ja’Mori Maclin, who made a nice move to evade the defender on the sideline. A few plays later, it looked like the Cats ran an RPO bubble. Calzada eyed down the rushing defender and dropped it into the bucket for a 25-yard David Washington touchdown.

By:Nick Roush

Rough Start for Second Team Offense

04/12/2025 09:37:45 AM

The ones moved the ball down the field, but didn’t score. It’s been clunky for the twos, and that’s putting it nicely.

The pressure got to Boley on a drop-back on the first snap. The quarterback did not catch the second snap. After two broken plays, the offensive line was flagged for a holding in pass protection. Not ideal!

By:Nick Roush

Dante Dowdell Pops Early in Scrimmage

04/12/2025 09:32:36 AM

He led the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns at Nebraska. His first two touches in a Kentucky uniform were solid. He caught a swing pass from Zach Calzada, then had a wide lane to run through for an explosive play.

Unfortunately, this is just THUD. No live tackling stinks. Would like to have seen Dowdell’s tackle-breaking ability.

By:Nick Roush

Special Teams to Start

04/12/2025 09:14:48 AM

Kentucky starts every practice with a dose of special teams. Today that means we got to see Jacob Kauwe’s leg. He hit all of his field goal attempts, including a 40-yarder right down the pipe to cap things off.

By:Nick Roush

Just Getting Started, Bro

04/12/2025 09:05:05 AM

The Nico news lightly distracted me from the action on the field. The good news: There hasn’t been much action yet. The Cats are still stretching and warming up on a sunny, chilly morning at Kroger Field. There’s a solid group of HS recruiting visitors, but not a ton of fans yet. Hopefully, it’s a late-arriving crowd that gets some warmer temps.

By:Nick Roush

Great News from Knoxville

04/12/2025 08:48:27 AM

I’m excited to talk Kentucky football this morning. There will be much to discuss. Let me start by laughing at our friends on Rocky Top because they’re losing their quarterback. This is a glorious day. Let’s all enjoy Tennessee’s misery, together.

BREAKING: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports. https://t.co/FE3OAtyXiw https://t.co/S2aXytHX5I pic.twitter.com/JtOPIzyaXQ

— On3 (@On3sports) April 12, 2025

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

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