Mark Pope’s roster retooling for the 2024-25 season is officially complete, as official as it can be with the transfer portal. After landing Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen on Monday, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reports that Kentucky has shut down all remaining transfer portal pursuits—including the scheduled visit from Rylan Griffen and any interest in former Stanford/Cal forward Andrej Stojakovic.
“Barring any portal defections, Kentucky has ended its pursuits of all other portal targets,” Norlander wrote. “Getting Aberdeen today meant they've moved off Andrej Stojakovic, Rylan Griffen, etc. Otega Oweh [is] going through pre-draft process—but I expect him back in Lex.”
So what does this mean for Big Blue Nation? It’s time to take a first look at what could be the final 2025-26 Kentucky basketball roster.
Kentucky’s 2025-26 Projected Roster (First Look)
Point Guard (PG):
- Jaland Lowe
- Travis Perry
Shooting Guard (SG):
- Jasper Johnson
- Denzel Aberdeen
- Collin Chandler
Small Forward (SF):
- Otega Oweh
- Kam Williams
Power Forward (PF):
- Mouhamed Dioubate
- Trent Noah
- Malachi Moreno
Center (C):
- Jayden Quaintance
- Brandon Garrison
- Andrija Jelavic
No more portal shopping, but what about Oweh?
The only remaining question mark is Otega Oweh, who is currently testing the NBA Draft waters. While Norlander suggests he’s likely to return to Lexington, nothing is official just yet. Oweh’s decision could significantly shift Kentucky’s starting five and lineup balance.
If he does return, the Cats boast a versatile two-way wing who can hold his own defensively and score in transition. If he stays in the draft, Kentucky has options in Kam Williams, Jasper Johnson, Trent Noah, and Mouhamed Dioubate to play different lineups.
Lineup flexibility: Strength or concern?
Pope has options—maybe too many according to some, some fans have said 13 mouths is a lot to feed. However, Pope never plays one guy a ton of minutes, so in his system it may be easier to play everyone. One possible configuration:
PG: Lowe
SG: Johnson
SF: Oweh (if he returns) Williams (if Oweh goes to the NBA)
PF: Dioubate
C: Quaintance
This would getJasper Johnson—arguably the team’s top shooter—into a versatile group, but one that lacks shooting pedigree. With a team built more on defense, toughness, and versatility than long-range sniping, spacing could become an issue if Johnson isn’t starting.
How good is this roster—really?
There’s no denying this group has defensive bite, depth, and athleticism. Between Dioubate, Quaintance, Garrison, Oweh, and Lowe, Kentucky is built to pressure the ball, dominate the glass, and wear teams down over 40 minutes. But in an era of spacing and shot-making, will this team have enough perimeter pop?
Denzel Aberdeen (35% from three), Jasper Johnson (elite shooter), and Chandler should help, but much will depend on how quickly the offense gels and whether freshmen like Moreno, Jelavic, and transfers like Williams get better or can contribute right away.
Final thoughts: Is this a championship team?
This roster doesn’t have the same five-star shine as some previous Kentucky squads, but it might have something even more valuable: identity. Pope has assembled a tough, versatile, and team-oriented group capable of competing with anyone. It’s not loaded with lottery picks, but it’s built to win—with or without Oweh.
What do you think, Big Blue Nation? Is this team ready to return to championship contention? Or does it still need one more piece?
Stay tuned—because in college basketball post transfer portal, rosters are “done” until they’re not.