The Bulldog becomes a Wildcat.
As Kentucky prepares for its Gator Bowl matchup against No. 22 Clemson later this month, coach Mark Stoops may finally have his prized quarterback in Lexington.
Three days into the wide-open college football winter transfer portal, the Wildcats received news Wednesday morning that former 4-star prospect QB Brock Vandagriff will be transferring into the program from SEC powerhouse Georgia. While the Wildcats have been the biggest player in the transfer portal QB pool the last few years, this is the highest recruit by far Kentucky has brought into the program.
Vandagriff, who has two seasons left of eligibility, spent the past three seasons behind starter and back-to-back national champion Stetson Bennett IV (2021-22) and Carson Beck this season. He appeared in a career-high eight games this year, completing 12-of-18 passes for 165 yards and two TDs. In 2021-22, he appeared in only five games.
Either way, it was a must-get and huge improvement at the position for Stoops. In advance of next year’s Kentucky sports betting on college football, BetKentucky.com looked at the statistics of all the Wildcats 4 or 5-star QB recruits since 2010.
4- or 5-Star Kentucky QBs Since 2010
Kentucky betting apps list Michigan as the national championship favorite at +175. Alabama is second at +200.
Recent QB Stars Haven’t Shone
Three quarterbacks fit the criteria: Morgan Newton (2009-2012: 8-9 record), Patrick Towles (2012-2015: 9-13) and Drew Barker (2015-2017: 2-3). And none of the numbers fly off the paper at you.
The trio averaged a completion rating of 51% for 768 yards with 4.4 passing TDs. Their interception average was also 4.4. On the ground, they averaged 92.8 yards with close to two (1.7) rush TDs. By the way, Kentucky hosts Georgia at Kroger Field in 2024.
At ESPN BET Kentucky, the Wildcats (7-5) are a 7-point and +230 money line underdog to Clemson (8-4) (-280). The teams play at noon on Dec. 29 (ESPN) in Jacksonville, Florida. The game's over/under total is 46.5 points.
