If you’re a Kentucky fan wondering what kind of leadership the 2025-26 roster will have, look no further than Otega Oweh.
“The consensus was to come back and have a great year,” Oweh said. “I want to up my stock even more, and put myself in a position to win a national championship with all the accolades that come with that.”
That’s not just talk — that’s a player with unfinished business. A player who chose development over the draft, and team over ego.
And in Lexington, that still means something.
Hearing a leader speak openly about both personal growth and team goals is exactly what Big Blue Nation wants to hear. This isn’t just about a stat line or a highlight reel. It’s about raising banners. It's about embracing the weight of wearing KENTUCKY across your chest — and Oweh clearly gets that.
“We have the talent to be the No. 1 team in the country,” he added.
He’s right. On paper, this team might be deeper, more versatile, and more physically imposing than any Kentucky team in the last decade. Every position is stacked with legitimate contributors — and more importantly, complementary skill sets. This is a team that can beat you in the 80s or grind it out in the 60s. That flexibility could be the difference between a Sweet 16 and a Final Four.
A Wildcat roster built for May and March
Here’s what Oweh is looking at when he says Kentucky has national title potential:
- Braydon Hawthorne, a wiry 6-8 wing from West Virginia with upside on both ends.
- Reece Potter, a 7-1 shot blocker and floor spacer who transferred in from Miami (OH).
- Denzel Aberdeen, a 6-5 guard from Florida with SEC-level athleticism and toughness.
- Andrija Jelavic, a skilled 6-11 Croatian forward with pro-style shooting and feel.
- Jayden Quaintance, a transfer from Arizona State who brings length, energy, shot blocking, and rebounding.
- Mo Dioubate, a 6-7 forward with defensive chops and SEC experience from Alabama.
- Jaland Lowe, a dynamic 6-3 point guard from Pitt who plays downhill and defends like crazy.
- Kam Williams, a 6-8 guard from Tulane who can stretch the floor and guard multiple spots.
- Jasper Johnson, a 6-4 elite scorer and local star from Lexington.
- Malachi Moreno, a 6-11 Kentucky-grown big man who’s physically ready and fundamentally sound.
- Trent Noah, a versatile shooter and rebounder, who understands spacing and decision-making.
- Collin Chandler, a high upside crafty wing and three-level scorer.
- Brandon Garrison, a 6-11 rim protector and lob threat with an SEC-ready body.
- And Oweh himself, a tough, slashing, defending, tone-setting guard who can lead from the front.
That’s 14 players, every one of them capable of contributing in a different way — which means Mark Pope has the luxury of options. Want more offense? Roll with Chandler, Noah, Johnson, Kam Williams, and Jelavic. Need to lock somebody down? Send out a group with Lowe, Oweh, Dioubate, Garrison, and Quaintance.
This isn’t just a team with talent. It’s a roster with balance.
Identity and execution
If there’s one question left to answer, it’s this: What style will Kentucky play?
Mark Pope can go small and fast. He can go big and bruising. He can space the floor with five shooters or switch every screen on defense. But it’s not about being able to do everything. It’s about picking the right identity — and then dominating within that style.
Oweh will be a huge part of setting that tone. He defends. He rebounds. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. That kind of presence is rare, and invaluable.
Kentucky teams that win titles aren’t just talented. They’re connected. They’re committed. And they play with a purpose bigger than themselves.
Otega Oweh is leading the charge in that direction.
Is banner no. 9 in the making?
It’s way too early to crown anyone in May. But the confidence, the depth, the accountability — it all feels real. If Oweh’s mindset spreads throughout the locker room, and Pope finds the right combinations to maximize the roster’s strengths, this team won’t just compete.
They’ll contend.
And maybe, finally, the drought will end.