Gavin Wimsatt had his first start for the University of Kentucky football team on Saturday afternoon. The Owensboro native entered in relief, completing three passes for 14 yards.
Wimsatt was the starting quarterback a year ago at Rutgers, but after the team announced Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis would be the 2024 starting signal caller, Wimsatt entered the portal. A week later, he committed to Kentucky, a homecoming of sorts for the 20-year-old.
“I’m glad for it to happen this way,” Wimsatt said in a previous story with the Owensboro Times. “To come back home and play in front of my friends and family after being up north for so many years is exciting, getting closer to my community. I can help out with stuff and be more of an impact from here.”
Last year, Wimsatt threw for 1,735 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions while only completing 47.8% of his passes. He struggled with inaccuracy, leading Rutgers to decide to try something new.
The Wildcats move to 1-1 after losing the conference opener, and the schedule doesn’t get any easier as they will be hosting number one Georgia next Saturday.
Wimsatt’s counterpart Brock Vandergriff completed three of 10 passing attempts for 10 yards.
Wimsatt added 44 rushing yards with six rushing attempts on top of his 14 passing guards.
The Wildcats will face off against Georgia, which is ranked number one, next week, and Wimsatt is likely to see the field.
“Yeah, Georgia’s got a good squad. We’ve got a good squad as well, but the main thing on my mind right now is putting this game to bed,” he said. “We have to make sure we get in, get our corrections, and go through those at full speed on Monday. And then, we’ll attack Georgia when it’s time.”
