Brock Vandagriff Transfers to Kentucky; How Will It Impact Wildcats?

Brock Vandagriff Transfers to Kentucky; How Will It Impact Wildcats?
Fact Checked by Michael Peters

The Bulldog becomes a Wildcat.

As Kentucky prepares for its Gator Bowl matchup against No. 22 Clemson later this month, coach Mark Stoops may finally have his prized quarterback in Lexington.

Three days into the wide-open college football winter transfer portal, the Wildcats received news Wednesday morning that former 4-star prospect QB Brock Vandagriff will be transferring into the program from SEC powerhouse Georgia. While the Wildcats have been the biggest player in the transfer portal QB pool the last few years, this is the highest recruit by far Kentucky has brought into the program.

Vandagriff, who has two seasons left of eligibility, spent the past three seasons behind starter and back-to-back national champion Stetson Bennett IV (2021-22) and Carson Beck this season. He appeared in a career-high eight games this year, completing 12-of-18 passes for 165 yards and two TDs. In 2021-22, he appeared in only five games.

Either way, it was a must-get and huge improvement at the position for Stoops. In advance of next year’s Kentucky sports betting on college football, BetKentucky.com looked at the statistics of all the Wildcats 4 or 5-star QB recruits since 2010.

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

4- or 5-Star Kentucky QBs Since 2010

Average Completion Percentage51.1%
Average Passing Yards768 yards
Average Passing Touchdowns4.4 TDs
Average Interceptions4.4 INTs
Average Rushing Yards92.8 yards
Average Rushing Touchdowns1.7 TDs
* — All statistics are per season.

Kentucky betting apps list Michigan as the national championship favorite at +175. Alabama is second at +200.

Must be present in KY and 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Recent QB Stars Haven’t Shone

Three quarterbacks fit the criteria: Morgan Newton (2009-2012: 8-9 record), Patrick Towles (2012-2015: 9-13) and Drew Barker (2015-2017: 2-3). And none of the numbers fly off the paper at you.

The trio averaged a completion rating of 51% for 768 yards with 4.4 passing TDs. Their interception average was also 4.4. On the ground, they averaged 92.8 yards with close to two (1.7) rush TDs. By the way, Kentucky hosts Georgia at Kroger Field in 2024.

At ESPN BET Kentucky, the Wildcats (7-5) are a 7-point and +230 money line underdog to Clemson (8-4) (-280). The teams play at noon on Dec. 29 (ESPN) in Jacksonville, Florida. The game's over/under total is 46.5 points.

Must be 21+ and present in KY. Bonus issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires after 30 days. Unique user identity verification required. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
quote

Author

Lou Monaco

Lou Monaco is a contributing writer for BetKentucky.com. Lou had been East Coast Scene columnist for Gaming Today in Las Vegas since June 2019, covering the East Coast sportsbook scene with emphasis on NJ and PA. He also currently is a part-time writer for the high school sports department for NJ Advanced Media (NJ.com) in Iselin, NJ. Lou has over 30 years sports experience with previous stints at ESPN SportsTicker, Daily Racing Form and Oddschecker.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: