LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Will Levis has been named the starting quarterback for Kentucky.
"He's been extremely efficient at running the offense, he's had degradable reps, he's been 74%. His first throw in the stadium was a 64 yard touchdown strike for his first live play in the stadium," said head coach Mark Stoops. "He has a lot of talent, he's been doing some things very good. He's been very efficient, he's got unbelievable arm strength, he's a big strong guy. He won the job."
Levis transferred to Kentucky from Penn State this offseason, with offensive coordinator Liam Coen hand picking him from the transfer portal. He recently started fully practicing with the team on the first day of fall camp.
Levis started two career games in three seasons with the Nitany Lions. He competed in 15 career games, throwing for 644 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He can use his legs, too, rushing for 473 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Stoops added that Beau Allen will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Levis, and Joey Gatewood will enter the transfer portal.
"I told him how much I appreciated how hard he's worked," said Stoops. "I know he's been in this position before so I knew it would be especially tough decision, not what he wanted to hear. We had that discussion, had a good talk, he handled it completely professional. I really appreciate him and at that point he informed me that he thought it would be in his best interest to enter his name into the portal."
Gatewood played in 7 games for the Wildcats last season, which included one start in a 14-3 loss to Georgia. He attempted just 35 passes as a Wildcat, completing 48.5% of them.
Since Gatewood transferred to Kentucky 18 months ago, he will have to sit out a season wherever he transfers to next. He believes he can still play for a Power Five Conference.
