Rhett Rodriguez, Rich Rod's Son, Named ULM Starting Quarterback

It will be a family affair when ULM comes to Kroger Field Saturday afternoon. Tuesday morning head coach Terry Bowden announced that Rhett Rodriguez will be Louisiana-Monroe’s starting quarterback this Saturday in Lexington. Rhett is the son of Rich Rodriguez, the former Michigan head coach and current ULM offensive coordinator.

“Rhett will start the game and we’ll back him up from there,” Bowden said. “He’s got very good talent but the fact he’s been raised on his father’s offense and he got here in January to learn the things we’ve added offensively was very beneficial.” 

Rhett Rodriguez spent last season at Arizona. His collegiate career began when his father was the Wildcats’ head coach. Following Rhett’s freshman season, Rich Rod was fired amid an investigation into sexual harassment and workplace misconduct.

Rodriguez played sparingly at Arizona. As a redshirt freshman he appeared in seven games and started in one, completing 43-of-83 passes for 516 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions on the season. Since 2018 he has appeared in only two games.

The familiarity with Rich Rod’s uptempo system certainly gave a leg up, but he might not be the only one taking snaps for ULM this Saturday. Colby Suits started in the first eight games of 2020 before Jeremy Hunt emerged to take over under center. Bowden did not rule out playing multiple quarterbacks.

“I think we have to play that thing out and see who can be that hot guy to come in,” said ULM’s first-year head coach.

Kentucky opens the season against ULM at Kroger Field this Saturday at noon on the SEC Network.