With the announcement that Kentucky would part ways with its longtime head coach, Mark Stoops, the program’s next hire carried significant weight. The Wildcats appear to have made a strong choice by appointing Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, who is tasked with guiding Kentucky football to the next level. Stoops, the winningest coach in school history, was a fixture in blue and white, but Stein arrives with experience working with elite prospects — particularly quarterbacks — that he will now bring to the SEC in an effort to elevate the program
Following his duties with Oregon through the College Football Playoff, Stein’s immediate priority will be securing a quarterback to lead Kentucky next season. With major recruits set to sign with their schools this week while Stein remains with the Ducks, the most viable option will likely be pursuing talent through the transfer portal.
Here are five quarterbacks who could elevate Kentucky football under Will Stein.
Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
With Eric Morris leaving for Oklahoma State, speculation has arisen that Drew Mestemaker could follow him to Stillwater. However, there is also a significant opportunity for Mestemaker to establish himself as a household name by continuing his development under Stein.
Mestemaker is coming off an impressive season as a redshirt freshman, with an FBS-leading 3,835 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Kentucky would immediately improve if it could convince him to part ways with Morris.
Lincoln Kienholz, Ohio State
With Lincoln Kienholz approaching his senior season firmly behind Julian Sayin on the depth chart, one would think that, in the current college football landscape, he would want to get to another big-time program and show that he can still perform. He has played in parts of two seasons and would be a perfect fit to run Kentucky’s offense, with a few years of eligibility remaining. Stein would be an attractive coach for Kienholz, as he consistently gets the best out of the quarterbacks he works with.
Austin Novosad, Oregon
After attempting just 15 passes in three years, and with Oregon bringing in another talented four-star recruit next season, Austin Novosad may decide to follow his coach and operate his offense in the SEC. A four-star recruit in the 2023 Oregon class, Novosad has yet to break through in Eugene. Working with a coach he is familiar with in a new environment may be the best way to help him realize his potential.
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colorado State
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is likely to be one of the most experienced quarterbacks available in the upcoming transfer window in January. As soon as the Rams fired Jay Norvell, Fowler-Nicolosi decided he would not continue as a Ram and has not suited up since. Bringing in a veteran like Fowler-Nicolosi would give Stein a year to evaluate how he fits, while also allowing him to promise recruits that there is an immediate path to playing time when they arrive on campus in 2027.
Husan Longstreet, USC
Husan Longstreet seems like a long shot but would be an excellent get for the Wildcats. The fifth-rated quarterback prospect for 2025 is a five-star recruit with a 98 grade, according to 247Sports. With Jayden Maiava set to be the starter and vying for the Heisman next season, Longstreet may want to consider attending a school focused on developing him to be the top player immediately. Getting a quarterback to leave Lincoln Riley is a challenging task, but Will Stein may have the pedigree to pull it off.
