Kentucky football quarterback commit Matt Ponatoski showed exactly why he’s considered one of the nation’s quarterbacks in this year’s class, even in a heartbreaking loss for his high school team this past weekend.
Ponatoski, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior at Archbishop Moeller, put together a standout performance in a 43-42 loss to Mt. Carmel (Ill.) on Saturday. The game was decided on the very last play, but Ponatoski’s effort was impossible to overlook.
The 4-star prospect, ranked No. 241 overall
and the No. 17 quarterback in the 2025 class by RIVALS, delivered through the air with 287 passing yards on 19-of-30 attempts. He tossed five touchdowns and, perhaps most importantly, he avoided having any turnovers. His longest throw of the game was a 45-yard completion.
Ponatoski also displayed his athleticism on the ground. The dual-sport athlete rushed six times for 54 yards, keeping plays alive and adding a dangerous dimension to Moeller’s attack. Despite being pressured, he only took one sack all game, showing poise in the pocket against a strong Mt. Carmel defense.
While the Crusaders came up just short, falling 43-42 Ponatoski’s performance served as another reminder of why Mark Stoops and Kentucky’s staff are excited about his future in Lexington. His blend of arm talent, mobility, and composure under pressure fits the mold of a modern SEC quarterback.
Ponatoski will continue his senior season at Moeller with eyes on bringing his team deep into the playoffs and on preparing to lead Kentucky in the years to come.
