🎯 The Kentucky Wildcats are facing a critical quarterback crisis, and new head coach Will Stein knows the Transfer Portal is his most immediate solution. Stein, fresh off designing one of college football’s most potent schemes at Oregon—a system Urban Meyer called “the hardest to defend in America”—has a proven track record of elevating signal-callers like Bo Nix (77% completion rate) and Dillon Gabriel (4,000+ yards).
However, the Kentucky Football quarterback room is effectively empty. With Zach Calzada graduated and former commitment Cutter Boley exploring other options, Stein inherits a roster devoid of proven starters. To successfully implement his high-powered offense in the SEC, the priority is clear: find a plug-and-play veteran. Here are four elite transfer portal quarterbacks Stein could immediately target for the 2026 season.
The Seamless System Fit: Austin Novosad
The most logical and risk-averse choice for Stein is Austin Novosad. Currently on the Oregon roster, the former four-star quarterback already knows Stein’s deceptively complex, fast-paced system “inside and out.” Novosad was recruited by and worked under Stein at Oregon, meaning his transition to Lexington would be instantaneous. He has two years of eligibility left, making him an instant plug-and-play solution who could step in and execute the playbook without delay. This move offers Stein the maximum chance for offensive stability right out of the gate.
The High-Upside Swing: LaNorris Sellers
Targeting South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers would be a massive swing for the fences for the Kentucky Wildcats. Sellers has undeniable physical talent, evidenced by his 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024 despite an injury-plagued and chaotic situation at South Carolina. He entered the year with significant buzz but faced efficiency struggles. Stein’s ability to “fix” quarterbacks—like he did in refining Nix’s game—makes this pairing tantalizing. If Sellers does enter the transfer portal, Stein’s system is perhaps the ideal environment to unlock his immense potential and turn him into an SEC superstar.
The Familiar Recruit: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
The relationship is already established with Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, or ‘JKS.’ He was originally a recruit of Stein’s at Oregon before flipping his commitment to Cal. At Cal, ‘JKS’ won the starting job as a true freshman, throwing for 3,117 yards and 17 touchdowns. While still raw, his successful freshman campaign in a Power Four conference proves his capability. The connection and mutual interest from Stein’s time at Oregon make him a highly attractive target. Bringing the young quarterback to the SEC would be a massive coup, providing Kentucky with a high-ceiling QB who has already shown he can produce.
The Generational Arm Talent: DJ Lagway
If Stein is looking for a long-term high-upside reclamation project, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway fits the bill. Lagway struggled this past season, exacerbated by injuries, but his arm talent is generational. He possesses one of the best deep balls in College Football. Pairing Lagway’s elite throwing ability with Stein’s system, particularly if the Wildcats can lure some big-time receivers from the portal, could transform Lexington’s offensive landscape. Lagway represents the kind of talent a quarterback guru like Stein could mold into a national star.