Kentucky's Men's Basketball Team Soars to No. 9 in AP Top 25; Oweh Named Preseason SEC Player of the Year
The Kentucky Wildcats are making waves in the world of college basketball, with a recent announcement that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. The team has been ranked No. 9 in the prestigious AP Top 25 poll, a significant leap from their previous positions. But that's not all - the spotlight shines on Otega Oweh, a standout player who has been named the Preseason SEC Player of the Year. This recognition is a testament to Oweh's exceptional talent and the team's overall strength.
Oweh's achievement is particularly notable, as he becomes the first Kentucky player since Oscar Tshiebwe in 2022 to receive this prestigious honor. His performance last season was nothing short of impressive, averaging a team-high 16.2 points and reaching double figures in an impressive 33 out of 36 games. On the defensive end, Oweh was a force to be reckoned with, leading the team in steals with 57 during the season.
The SEC is no stranger to talented players, but Oweh's recognition as the best heading into the 2025-26 season is a testament to his skills. He joins a league of standout players like Alex Condon (Florida), Josh Hubbard (Mississippi State), and Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn), but his impact and consistency set him apart.
The team's success is not solely reliant on Oweh's brilliance. Jaland Lowe, a Pittsburgh transfer, has also earned a spot on the SEC Preseason Third Team. Lowe's fast-paced game and ability to average 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game with the Panthers make him a crucial asset to the team's offense.
Kentucky's basketball program is on an upward trajectory, with head coach Mark Pope leading the charge. Despite limited resources and time when he was appointed in April 2024, Pope guided the team to a Sweet 16 appearance, their first since 2019. This year, with a full offseason, Pope has constructed a formidable roster, ranking fifth in the nation for the transfer portal class and seventh for the freshman class, according to 247Sports.
The team's schedule is packed with exciting exhibition games, including a Blue-White game on Friday, October 17. They will then face off against No. 1 Purdue on October 24 and Georgetown on October 30. The 2025-26 season will officially kick off on November 4 against Nicholls at 7 p.m. inside Rupp Arena, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
As the Wildcats continue to climb the ranks, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate the team's performance, especially with the high expectations set by their preseason rankings and individual accolades.
