TEMPE – Kenny Dillingham appears to have identified his starting quarterback for the 2026 Arizona State football season amid a challenging period for the position. The last couple of months saw significant upheaval due to Sam Leavitt’s decision to transfer following foot surgery, leaving the team without a cornerstone player after the November 28 loss to Arizona. With Jeff Sims having exhausted his eligibility and promising recruits like Jake Fette and Cameron Dyer still gaining experience, the team has been in search of a stable option under center.
Cutter Boley, a soon-to-be junior and former Kentucky Wildcats quarterback, stepped into the spotlight just as the transfer portal opened. Boley officially declared his intent to transfer on Friday and made his first visit to Arizona State immediately afterward. He made a swift commitment to the program during his visit, as reported by John Brice from Footballscoop.com and confirmed by Arizona State insider Chris Karpman.
The 20-year-old Boley, hailing from Lexington Christian Academy, was considered one of the top recruits in the 2024 class. After redshirting in his freshman year, he emerged as the starting quarterback early in the 2025 season. Throughout the season, Boley showcased his potential, highlighted by an impressive five-touchdown game against Tennessee and a commendable performance versus Georgia. Despite these highlights, he faces some challenges, particularly in reading defenses and making decisions under pressure, as reflected in four interceptions over his last two games with Kentucky.
Transitioning to Arizona State, Boley is expected to benefit from enhanced skill position support. Dillingham, known for his successful track record in quarterback development, will likely foster an environment that pushes Boley’s talents while also encouraging healthy competition among the players.
As Boley prepares to compete for the starting role during spring and fall practices, he is anticipated to have an upper hand against Fette and Dyer, given his experience in high-pressure situations. It is also worth noting that there may still be opportunities for additional players to join the team in the coming weeks.
Arizona State’s football future seems poised for growth, instilled with optimism by this new addition to their roster, as Dillingham works to cultivate the next generation of talent in Tempe.