We’re living in a wild era for college football. The landscape’s been flipped upside down by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
These agreements have changed the way players manage their careers, leading to more transfers and, honestly, some eye-popping paydays. One player, Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada, has landed in the media spotlight—not for what he’s done on the field, but for his behavior off it.
Calzada’s played for four different teams over seven seasons. Now, it’s not his stats but his flashy social media posts about NIL money that have folks talking—and not in a good way.
The Rise and Fall of Zach Calzada
Zach Calzada’s path through college football has been anything but normal. He came in as a 3-star recruit in 2019, committing to Texas A&M.
After the 2021 season, he packed his bags for Auburn, hoping for more playing time. That move didn’t last, so he transferred again, this time to Incarnate Word, sticking around there for two seasons.
From Texas A&M to Kentucky
Still searching for a permanent home, Calzada landed at Kentucky in the 2025 offseason. The Wildcats saw something in his experience and handed him the starting job.
But things unraveled fast. After a rough couple of games, he was benched in Week 2 and hasn’t played since. Now, he’s just holding a clipboard as the backup.
Flexing NIL Money: A Controversial Move
Even with limited snaps, Calzada’s managed to stay in the news—and not for reasons he’d probably prefer. Recently, the 25-year-old quarterback posted a video online, showing off a stack of $100 bills.
Presumably, that cash came from his NIL deals. The video went viral, but not in a good way. It drew a wave of criticism and jokes from fans and pundits.
Public Reaction and Backlash
The backlash was quick and pretty brutal. College football voices on X didn’t hold back.
Justin Rowland wondered how Calzada ended up as the face of Kentucky football. Aaron Torres called the video one of the most embarrassing he’d ever seen, and Brett Griffin just shook his head at the lack of maturity.
Connor O’Gara and Matt Jones used the moment to point out bigger issues in Kentucky’s program. They argued that questionable transfer choices have hurt the team’s culture.
The Implications for Kentucky Football
All this drama has people asking tough questions about Kentucky football under head coach Mark Stoops. Some feel the Calzada incident is just a symptom of deeper problems, especially when it comes to recruiting and team culture.
Mark Stoops Under Scrutiny
Mark Stoops has been running the show at Kentucky for a while now, but he’s catching more heat lately. Critics say picking players like Calzada, who haven’t delivered, reflects poorly on his leadership.
The whole situation has people wondering if it’s time for Kentucky to rethink its approach.
The Role of NIL Deals in College Football
NIL deals have totally changed college sports. Players can now make real money through endorsements and sponsorships.
But with all that cash comes a new set of challenges and responsibilities.
Balancing Wealth and Maturity
For young athletes like Calzada, handling big money isn’t easy. The urge to show off online is real, but it can backfire fast.
Honestly, Calzada’s story feels like a warning for other players. Maturity and a little discretion go a long way when you’re suddenly flush with cash.
A New Era of College Football
College football isn’t what it used to be, is it? The game keeps changing, and honestly, so do the hurdles and wild new chances for both players and their teams.
The whole Zach Calzada situation really puts a spotlight on how messy things can get with these NIL deals. It’s not just about money—it’s about figuring out how to handle all this new stuff without losing your footing.
If you’re curious and want the full scoop, check out the article on Saturday Down South.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
