Will Levis will not start at Quarterback for Kentucky vs. South Carolina

It’s officially Kaiya Sheron time. ESPN reports the Somerset, Ky. native will start for the injured Will Levis. Levis was considered a game-time decision. He arrived for the Cat Walk in sweats and a walking a boot before the Kentucky training staff ultimately decided to sideline No. 7 for the South Carolina game.

Will Levis was the last player in the CatWalk, wearing a boot with a visible limp.

Looks like it’ll be Kaiya Sheron’s night. pic.twitter.com/RQybyMMsRx

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 8, 2022

Without Levis, Kentucky will call Kaiya Sheron into his first real collegiate action. The redshirt freshman has not yet attempted a pass in an official game at Kentucky. The last pass the former three-star recruit completed at Kroger Field was a game-winning touchdown throw in the 2019 2A State Championship Game.

Will Levis Injury Background

Will Levis took a nasty hit in the first half against Ole Miss. The play resulted in a safety, a dislocated finger and a foot injury.

Levis is 14-4 as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. A projected first round NFL Draft pick, this season Levis ranks in the top 25 nationally in multiple statistical categories. Through five games he has 1,405 yards (No. 21), averages 10.0 yards per attempt (No. 7) with a QB rating of 174.92 (No. 9). Levis ranks second nationally in passes of 40+ and 50+ yards, with eight and five, respectively.

Other Kentucky Football Injury Updates

It is not all bad news. J.J. Weaver is returning to the starting lineup. The talented outside linebacker has not played since he hyperextended his elbow against Youngstown State.

Starting right tackle Jeremy Flax suffered a hamstring injury on the final drive of the Ole Miss game. Deondre Buford will earn his first career start in Flax’s absence. Josaih Hayes is dressed for the Wildcats a week after he was sidelined against Ole Miss.

Do not expect starting linebacker Jacquez Jones Saturday night. The Super Senior was sidelined last week after picking off a pass in his old home stadium. Stoops initially did not rule him out at his Monday press conference, then informed his radio show listeners that it is doubtful the linebacker will play this Saturday. D’Eryk Jackson will start in his place.