Kentucky changes starting QBs; Maxwell Smith to replace Jalen Whitlow against Miami (Ohio)

Kentucky has named Maxwell Smith as the starting quarterback for the Wildcats' home opener against Miami (Ohio).

Smith will make his first start Saturday in nearly a year. He started four games last season and threw for 975 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury against South Carolina.

The 6-foot-4 sophomore replaced struggling starter Jalen Whitlow in the third quarter of Saturday night's 35-26 loss to Western Kentucky and led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, but couldn't rally Kentucky (0-1) past the Hilltoppers. Smith finished with 125 yards and a touchdown on 8 of 13 passing.

Whitlow was 10 of 15 passing for 78 yards against WKU and rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.