In a college basketball culture shaped by the grind, and blue-blood tradition, a new wave of personality is taking root in Lexington—one that comes with a beat, a lyric, and a surprise Taylor Swift chorus blasting from the locker room.
Yes, Kentucky basketball is in its Swiftie Era. Get your friendship bracelets everybody.
Taylor Swift’s global reign isn’t just resonating in stadiums and Spotify charts. It's also soundtracking the day-to-day of elite college basketball players. From morning lifts to post-practice shootarounds, her music is showing up on playlists—and Kentucky’s players are happy to share their favorite tracks.
There’s no deep NIL strategy here. It’s just players being themselves. And that’s part of what makes it work. In an era where authenticity wins over branding, this group isn’t afraid to admit they know every word to Red or that Karma goes just as hard as a full-court press.
Here’s what some of the Wildcats are spinning.
Kentucky Wildcats and their favorite Taylor Swift songs
Brandon Garrison – Cruel Summer
A confident pick. Fast tempo, high stakes, and pure chaos—Garrison’s kind of energy.
Walker Horn – Today Was a Fairytale
Lighthearted and a little nostalgic. Horn leans into the magic without irony.
Trent Noah – Red
A raw, emotional album for a player who plays with heart and edge.
Otega Oweh – Shake It Off
No drama, no distractions. Just keep it moving. That’s Oweh.
Collin Chandler – Blank Space
Cool under pressure, with room for more. A vibe that matches his game.
Jasper Johnson – 22
Fun, fast, and free. Jasper plays with joy, and this song fits the mood.
Malachi Moreno – Karma
A little cosmic justice never hurt. Moreno keeps receipts.
Kam Williams – You Belong With Me
A throwback choice full of teenage feels—perfect for someone still dreaming big.
Braydon Hawthorne – Lover
Smooth, steady, and soulful. Hawthorne brings calm to the chaos.
Mouhamed Dioubate – Bad Blood
No apologies. Just intensity. Dioubate’s edge shows up in his play—and in his playlist.
Denzel Aberdeen – Anti-Hero
Self-aware, but still aiming high. Denzel’s pick fits a player finding his own voice.
Jaland Lowe – Love Story
Timeless and classic. Lowe’s choice reflects his focus on big moments.
Jayden Quaintance – Cardigan
Quiet depth and quiet confidence. Quaintance is thoughtful on and off the court.
A team with range—and rhythm
This team isn’t afraid to show a little personality. Maybe that’s because they know who they are—a group that’s young, confident, and unafraid to lean into whatever fuels them.
They’re still chasing wins and building chemistry. But they’re doing it to a soundtrack that, frankly, slaps.
So whether it’s a pregame playlist or a team bonding moment on a long road trip, the Wildcats have found something that connects. And in a sport that thrives on rhythm and timing, maybe a little Taylor isn’t such a bad secret weapon after all. No Bad Blood here.