The numbers don't lie as KenPom ranks Kentucky among nation's elite

It's a welcome sight in Lexington when KenPom rankings are released.
Kentucky v Alabama
Kentucky v Alabama | Brandon Sumrall/GettyImages

It’s that time of year again — when the leaves start to turn and analytics guru Ken Pomeroy releases his much-anticipated preseason rankings. For two decades, KenPom.com has been the go-to source for advanced college basketball metrics, providing a deeper look at how teams truly stack up.

A Top-Four Debut

This year, Kentucky fans have plenty to smile about.

The Wildcats debuted No. 4 overall in KenPom’s 2025 preseason rankings, signaling what analytics say could be a special year under Mark Pope. Only Houston, Florida, and Purdue sit ahead of them.

Here’s a look at the KenPom Top 25, for a full ranking click here:

  1. Houston
  2. Florida
  3. Purdue
  4. Kentucky
  5. Connecticut
  6. Illinois
  7. Duke
  8. Gonzaga
  9. Tennessee
  10. UCLA
  11. Michigan
  12. Texas Tech
  13. Iowa State
  14. Louisville
  15. Arizona
  16. St. John's
  17. Baylor
  18. BYU
  19. Vanderbilt
  20. Wisconsin
  21. Kansas
  22. USC
  23. Alabama
  24. Ole Miss
  25. Michigan State

The anatomy of an elite ranking

Kentucky’s high placement is built on elite balance. The Wildcats rank eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency (120.1) and fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency (91.2). That two-way dominance is what separates good teams from championship contenders. This is something that Mark Pope really tried to address in the off-season.

For Kentucky, this ranking is analytical validation of a roster built for modern basketball. Pope’s group has length, depth, and versatility at every position, and can play many different ways, the kind of ingredients that historically align with deep March runs.

Championship DNA

KenPom isn’t something that is going to be hard truth, of course, but it’s close enough. Nine of the last ten national champions have finished in the top ten in both offense and defense. That is something Kentucky could not do last year. Now, Kentucky’s preseason metrics suggest they’re built to join that company.

Analytics love the Cats. Now, it’s time for the court to prove them right.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion

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