Reports: Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey flips from Nebraska to Kentucky

Field Level Media|published: Mon 5th January, 22:27 2026

Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.

Former Notre Dame backup quarterback Kenny Minchey, who had committed to Nebraska a little over 24 hours previously, instead changed his commitment to Kentucky on Monday, multiple outlets reported.

Minchey, who entered the portal Friday, had lost an offseason competition to become the Fighting Irish starting quarterback to eventual starter CJ Carr over the summer.

His playing time, as expected, was subsequently limited, though he did appear in six games, completing 20 of 26 passes for 196 yards. He added seven carries for 84 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

He only appeared in four games over the previous two seasons, preserving an additional year of eligibility in the process. He will be classified as a junior in 2026.

Minchey had originally told ESPN on Sunday that he would be joining Matt Rhule's Nebraska program. His flip Monday was reported by ESPN, CBS Sports, and On3.

Kentucky needed a quarterback once its previous starter Cutter Boley entered the portal and found a home with Arizona State. Boley paced the Wildcats with 2,160 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions in 2025.

Nebraska will now go back into the portal to look for a replacement for Dylan Raiola, who also entered the portal this offseason after guiding Nebraska for much of the past two seasons.

Kentucky had been one of two main pursuers of hot quarterback target Sam Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, along with LSU. The Tigers, helmed by new coach Lane Kiffin, might well be the leader to acquire Leavitt now with Kentucky acquiring Minchey and the Tigers previously missing out on Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby, who chose Texas Tech.

--Field Level Media