Wildcats Impress at Kentucky Fan Day: Stoops Sees Signs of Progress

The Kentucky Wildcats opened the 2025 season with four straight days of practice. BBN got to see all of the action on Saturday at Kentucky Football Fan Day. The Kentucky head coach was pleased with the crisp performance.

“I thought we made some strides today. Offensively, we had a little greater sense of urgency, a little better attention to detail. We just functioned better,” said Mark Stoops. “It’s still early, but a good first week.”

Additional summer OTAs have helped the Wildcats hit the field running in week one. There aren’t as many operational speed bumps, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of teachable moments.

“You guys can hear it when you’re out here. You hear the coaches screaming — line up this way, that way — every play is like a science project,” said Stoops.

“Football IQ is so important for us and we have to be able to stay ahead of it. That’s something we’re also doing this camp, we’re spending extra time at night, just working on two-minute, third down, specialty blitzes, you name it, just trying to work on all of that to get better and to get ahead.”

One player who has clearly improved this offseason is Cutter Boley. Physically, he looks the part after gaining about 20 pounds. He also just has a good feel for the game. Over two days, Boley consistently delivered exceptional passes to the wide receivers. Even though he’s going against the second string defense, it’s hard not to be impressed with the strides he’s made in his game. The good news? There’s still plenty of room to grow.

“It was really nice, because at the end of one of the blitz segments, he missed one that he had an opportunity to convert on a third down. The next series, he went in and moved the team right down the field. On that rep, it was third and long. You’re gonna get pressure. He was buying time in the pocket very well, but he got a little ‘happy feet’ and missed the throw. And later he just settled in,” said Stoops.

“I think with every opportunity like that, he’s getting better and better. He’s more comfortable. You can see it. He’s like 222 pounds right now. He changed his body, he’s worked really hard, and he’s just getting more comfortable.”

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