UK’s Tight Ends are being Utilized Heavily in Passing Attack

UK tight ends Josh Kattus and Willie Rodriguez each recorded a touchdown catch in UK’s win over Eastern Michigan.

LEXINGTON – September 13, 2025 – BRADLEY CHARLES

For several years, Kentucky football fans have talked about their interest in seeing UK’s tight ends become a larger threat in the Cats’ passing attack. Thus far this season, under second-year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, UK has established its tight ends as a vital component of the passing game.

Kentucky’s tight ends entered Saturday’s matchup with eight catches for a total of 91 yards through two games. In the Cats’ 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan, tight ends Josh Kattus and Willie Rodriguez combined to register five catches for 89 receiving yards and two touchdowns. As a team, UK registered 12 completed passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

The tight ends finished the game with a total of six targets. Two throws from QB Cutter Boley on the same drive in the first quarter were intended for Kattus and Rodriguez respectively on what would have been touchdowns if completed. That drive was capped off by a 12-yard TD run by Seth McGowan.

After the game, UK head coach Mark Stoops was asked about his tight ends’ production this season.

“They’re good players,” Stoops said. It’s been fun to get them more involved.”

UK’s tight ends being so heavily involved in the passing attack brings a dimension that the Kentucky offense has not had in recent seasons.

Kentucky advanced to 2-1 with the victory, while Eastern Michigan is now 0-3. Up next for UK is a road game against No. 11 South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 27. It will be Kentucky’s first road game of the season.