The Athletic website projects Michael Van Buren as starting UK QB

HalHR2500

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Here’s the excerpt

Kentucky: Michael Van Buren, R-So. (Mississippi State)

Former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein took over for Mark Stoops and hired former LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Van Buren, who started three games for the Tigers in 2025, could be a solid option in Lexington.

Anybody heard anything about this?
 

UKfan2151

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Not sure about starting he will only command 500k so he’s not a starting level NIL QB

Maybe Stein wants to have a legit backup if Boley shats the bed
You have a point. But anyone that isn't worthy of being a starting level NIL QB probably isn't capable of being a legit back-up in the SEC. In this league, you need a 1A and 1B on the depth chart, not a clear 1 and 2.
 

satcheluk

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You have a point. But anyone that isn't worthy of being a starting level NIL QB probably isn't capable of being a legit back-up in the SEC. In this league, you need a 1A and 1B on the depth chart, not a clear 1 and 2.
Why do you say that?
 
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UKfan2151

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Why do you say that?

Because anyone that isn't starter material just isn't going to be an adequate back-up in this league that you can actually win with. The back-up can't just be a warm body to fill a position, they've gotta have some talent and ability. If having to play your QB 2 means your season is essentially over because they suck, then I don't regard that individual as being an actual back-up.
 
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ellowelzees

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Not sure about starting he will only command 500k so he’s not a starting level NIL QB

Maybe Stein wants to have a legit backup if Boley shats the bed
I definitely want a legit #2 that can keep Boley’s seat warm and ensure he doesn’t get complacent. Van Buren ain’t Johnny Football, but he’s shown he can play in the SEC at somewhat competent level.
 

HalHR2500

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Austin Novasad entered portal today

Keep an eye on him

Stein has to cover all bases in case Boley bolts from competition for QB1
 

satcheluk

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Because anyone that isn't starter material just isn't going to be an adequate back-up in this league that you can actually win with. The back-up can't just be a warm body to fill a position, they've gotta have some talent and ability. If having to play your QB 2 means your season is essentially over because they suck, then I don't regard that individual as being an actual back-up.
There's basically two types of backups. One is the guy who has less talent and the other is the guy who has less experience and both are typically a significant drop off from the starter because most teams can't afford to pay starting QB NIL to a backup, although some schools may sign two $1mm QBs instead of a $1.5mm and a $500k one, but I suspect that is more difficult to arrange.