TRANSFER TUESDAY: Kentucky Football Lands Top QB Devon Leary, Following Success with Will Levis
In what has become one of the most intriguing quarterback sagas in college football, the University of Kentucky has once again found itself at the center of attention. The Wildcats have secured the services of one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, Devon Leary, through the transfer portal, further solidifying their status as a rising program in the SEC. This acquisition comes just a year after the Wildcats saw significant success with another high-profile quarterback, Will Levis, who catapulted himself into NFL Draft conversations with his impressive performances.
Devon Leary’s arrival in Lexington is nothing short of a major coup for Kentucky football. The former NC State quarterback entered the transfer portal as one of the most sought-after players, following an illustrious career with the Wolfpack. Leary’s decision to transfer was motivated by a desire to take his talents to a new stage, and Kentucky emerged as the ideal destination for the talented signal-caller.
Leary brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of success at the collegiate level. During his time at NC State, Leary established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the ACC. In 2021, he put together a record-setting season, throwing for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. His poise in the pocket, combined with his ability to make precise throws downfield, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
However, Leary’s 2022 season was marred by injury, limiting his playing time and leading to a less productive year. Despite the setback, he remains highly regarded for his talent, leadership, and football IQ. Leary’s decision to transfer to Kentucky presents an opportunity for him to not only showcase his abilities on a bigger stage but also to rejuvenate his career and make a push for the NFL.
Leary’s arrival at Kentucky follows in the footsteps of another transfer quarterback who found great success in Lexington: Will Levis. Levis transferred to Kentucky from Penn State before the 2021 season, and like Leary, he arrived with significant potential but limited starting experience. Under the guidance of Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Levis thrived, leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 record in his first season as a starter.
Levis’ strong arm, athleticism, and competitive spirit quickly endeared him to Kentucky fans. His performances on the field, particularly in big games against SEC opponents, helped Kentucky secure bowl appearances and national recognition. Levis’ success also caught the attention of NFL scouts, and by the time his college career ended, he was widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Kentucky’s success with Levis set a new standard for the program’s quarterback play, and it also demonstrated the coaching staff’s ability to develop transfer players into high-level performers. Levis’ rise under Stoops and Coen’s tutelage no doubt played a role in attracting Leary to Lexington. The opportunity to play in a system that emphasizes pro-style concepts, along with the chance to compete in the SEC, was likely a significant draw for Leary as he weighed his options in the transfer portal.
Devon Leary’s skill set makes him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s offense. As a passer, he excels in reading defenses and making quick, accurate throws. Leary’s ability to operate both in the pocket and on the move gives the Wildcats a versatile quarterback who can execute a wide range of plays. His experience in high-pressure situations, combined with his leadership qualities, should make him a valuable asset in the locker room and on the field.
One of Leary’s most impressive attributes is his deep ball accuracy. At NC State, he consistently demonstrated the ability to hit receivers in stride on vertical routes, making him a legitimate threat to stretch defenses. With Kentucky’s offensive scheme emphasizing balance between the run and pass, Leary’s ability to connect on deep shots should complement the team’s ground attack and open up opportunities for big plays.
In addition to his passing skills, Leary is known for his football intelligence. He is a student of the game, and his ability to diagnose defenses at the line of scrimmage allows him to make adjustments on the fly. This level of understanding will be crucial as Kentucky faces off against some of the toughest defenses in college football in the SEC.
Furthermore, Leary’s experience as a multi-year starter at NC State gives him an edge in terms of leadership. He has been through the ups and downs of a college football season, and his presence in the Kentucky locker room should provide stability and confidence to his teammates. As the Wildcats look to build on their recent success, having a seasoned leader like Leary at the helm will be invaluable.
With Devon Leary now in the fold, Kentucky’s offensive outlook for the upcoming season is promising. The Wildcats have steadily improved under Mark Stoops, and the addition of a quarterback of Leary’s caliber positions them to be even more competitive in the SEC.
One of the key factors in Kentucky’s success with Will Levis was the balance between the running game and the passing attack. The Wildcats boast a strong offensive line, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage has been a hallmark of their game plan. Leary’s arrival doesn’t change that formula; instead, it enhances it. His ability to distribute the ball to playmakers, both short and deep, will keep defenses guessing and prevent them from loading up against the run.
Leary will have a talented group of receivers to work with at Kentucky, which should allow him to spread the ball around and keep the offense unpredictable. The Wildcats have made strides in recruiting and developing their wide receiver corps, and with Leary at quarterback, they will look to exploit matchups against opposing secondaries. The combination of a strong running game and an efficient passing attack could make Kentucky one of the more balanced offenses in the SEC.
The addition of Devon Leary is more than just a talent upgrade at the quarterback position; it’s a statement about the trajectory of Kentucky’s football program. Historically known as a basketball school, Kentucky football has steadily gained respect and relevance under Mark Stoops’ leadership. The ability to attract top-tier talent through the transfer portal, especially at the quarterback position, signals that Kentucky is no longer a program on the rise—it has arrived.
Leary’s decision to transfer to Kentucky is also a testament to the development infrastructure that Stoops and his staff have built. The success of Will Levis in Lexington has established Kentucky as a destination for quarterbacks looking to elevate their game and prepare for the next level. The fact that a player of Leary’s caliber chose Kentucky over other suitors speaks volumes about the program’s growing reputation.
In the short term, Leary’s arrival should help Kentucky remain competitive in the SEC, even as the conference continues to be dominated by perennial powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. The Wildcats have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the country, and with a quarterback like Leary leading the offense, they have the potential to pull off upsets and make a push for a higher finish in the conference standings.
The transfer of Devon Leary to Kentucky marks another significant chapter in the Wildcats’ rise as a formidable football program. Following the success of Will Levis, Leary’s arrival reaffirms Kentucky’s ability to attract and develop top quarterback talent. With Leary under center, the Wildcats have the potential to continue their upward trajectory in the SEC and further solidify their status as a program to be reckoned with.
As Kentucky prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Leary to see if he can replicate the success of his predecessor and lead the Wildcats to new heights. His decision to choose Kentucky over other programs highlights the growing appeal of playing football in Lexington, and his presence gives the Wildcats a legitimate shot at making noise in the SEC. With the talent and experience that Leary brings, Kentucky fans have every reason to be excited about the future of their football program.