4 Simple Changes Kentucky Can Make to Improve the Offense

The Kentucky offense was not a fine-tuned machine in the season opener. Self-inflicted mistakes prevented the Wildcats from ever finding a rhythm, particularly in the passing game.

Bush Hamdan does not need to completely scrap the playbook to create efficiency. A few tweaks here and there can go a long way to creating a more consistent product when the Cats take the field against Ole Miss.

Stay on Your Feet

Seth McGowan was arguably Kentucky’s most explosive offensive addition this offseason. In week one, the running back looked like a hummingbird that was flying nowhere fast. His body was moving 100 miles per hour, but he couldn’t get where he needed to go.

It wasn’t because rushing lanes were unavailable. McGowan struggled to stay on his feet, slipping on the turf at least three times. He’s confident that won’t continue to be an issue.

“I hadn’t really gotten out there on that turf yet,” McGowan said after the Toledo game. “This is honestly my first time getting out there. The practice field is grass. That’s a small adjustment we can make. That shouldn’t be a concern moving forward.”

Target Ja’Mori Maclin Downfield

Kentucky threw eight passes 20+ yards down the field. There were a few pass interference penalties on Toledo, but all eight were incomplete. None of those targeted Ja’Mori Maclin.

During the first half of his first year in Lexington, Kentucky tried to get Maclin going out of the slot, and it didn’t work. Once they moved him outside and told him to “Go Long!” good things happened. He had three receptions of 40+ yards, including an 83-yard touchdown against Louisville. In 2023, Maclin had seven receptions of 40+ yards at North Texas. Maclin is Kentucky’s most consistent deep threat. When the Wildcats take shots, Maclin needs to be the target.

Trust the Process

Zach Calzada readily admitted that he didn’t make the best decisions in week one. What exactly does that look like? Let Van Hiles explain.

Trust the process… pic.twitter.com/ycXHe4C5SJ

— Van Hiles (@vstyles17) September 1, 2025

Kendrick Law Needs Touches

At the Lexington Kickoff Luncheon, Bush Hamdan said the passing attack will run through Kendrick Law. The former Alabama slot receiver was only targeted once in week one, drawing a pass interference in the end zone. A physical player who’s at his best getting yards after the catch, that only works if he catches the ball. A great way to create more explosive plays is to get one of your most explosive athletes the ball more often.