Mark Stoops confirms Cutter Boley is committed to a Kentucky return in 2026

There wasn’t much to suggest Mark Stoops was planning on Saturday being his last game coaching the Wildcats, telling reporters, “Like it or not, I’m a Kentuckian” when previewing the annual Governor’s Cup battle in Louisville.

“This is home,” the 13-year coach said — while also talking recruiting plans for the 2026 season.

Then he dropped a bomb during his call-in radio show late Monday evening, doubling down on that confidence entering the offseason by confirming Kentucky will have its starting quarterback back, too. Cutter Boley is planning on running it back by Stoops’ side next fall, he said.

“We have a good nucleus of guys — and it’s certainly important to get that QB, you know? It’s great to have a young QB,” Stoops said. “Cutter’s been nothing but all in and loving Kentucky. He wants to be here and we just got to make sure we build a good team around him.”

Boley replaced portal addition Zach Calzada early in the season and never looked back, setting multiple records in his full-time role as the starter and face of the program. He’s now up to 2,060 yards and 15 touchdowns while completing 67.3 percent of his passes on 275 attempts. His 12 touchdown passes against SEC opponents in 2025 broke Jared Lorenzen’s record for most by a Kentucky freshman (11) originally set in 2000.

Over the last six games, Boley has completed 71.7 percent of his passes, going 137 for 191 in that stretch. He’s also the only UK freshman since Lorenzen to throw for 280 yards away from home in the last 25 years.

The Cats found a good one — and he apparently wants to stay in Lexington with Stoops.