Otega Oweh returns to Kentucky: “Let’s run It back” for year 2 under Mark Pope
Kentucky fans, rejoice. The Otegatron is back online.
Just after 4:30 p.m. EST, Otega Oweh made it official: he’s coming back to Lexington for his second year under head coach Mark Pope. With a heartfelt Instagram post, Oweh cemented his status as a fan favorite and one of the key returning stars for a Kentucky team with sky-high expectations.
“This year has succeeded all my expectations. Through all the highs and the lows, I’ve found a family in Kentucky forever. So let’s run it back. I’m staying home,” Oweh posted.
For a program rich in tradition but entering a bold new era under Pope, Oweh’s return isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s a cornerstone move.
A proven star re-ups for another run
Oweh emerged as a force during the 2024–25 season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting a blistering 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three. His physicality, slashing ability, and evolving perimeter game made him a matchup nightmare in the SEC and earned him a spot on the midseason Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List for National Player of the Year.
In 36 games, Oweh played with a relentless energy that came to define Kentucky’s identity under Pope: tough, unselfish, and explosive. With a 22.0 Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and 4.1 win shares, Oweh didn’t just put up numbers—he made winning plays.
Now, he’s back to do it again.
Why year two could be even better
If history under Pope tells us anything, it’s this: players tend to make a massive leap in their second year. Just look at what happened at BYU or early indications with Kentucky’s returning core. Pope’s development-first approach, especially with high-motor wings like Oweh, sets the stage for a potential All-American season.
Statistically, Oweh already ranks among Kentucky’s most productive returning players in recent memory. His 2024–25 season averages outpaced many one-and-done stars, and with the keys to the offense more firmly in hand, it’s fair to start his SEC Player of the Year—and maybe even National Player of the Year—campaign right now.
A logjam at 14 scholarships… for now
One subplot that’s quickly become relevant: Oweh’s return brings Kentucky’s scholarship count to 14, one over the NCAA limit of 13. Of course, the looming House vs. NCAA settlement may expand that number to 15, which would neatly resolve the issue.
But if the rule change doesn’t pass in time, Pope and his staff may face some tough decisions. Still, that’s a problem for tomorrow. Today, it's about celebration.
The heart of the Bluegrass brotherhood
There’s an understanding around Kentucky basketball; once you are in, you are in forever. Oweh seems to understand that as well as anyone. His return isn’t just about unfinished business—it’s about belonging. About finding a home. And maybe, just maybe, about chasing a banner.
With Oweh back, Mark Pope gains a trusted lieutenant—someone who knows the system, the expectations, and what it means to wear "KENTUCKY" across your chest.
And if Otega Oweh’s first act was this good, just imagine what Otegatron 2.0 might bring.
Up Next: With Oweh back in the fold, all eyes turn toward who else stays, who plays, and how Pope balances one of the deepest rosters in the country. One thing's for sure: Big Blue Nation will be watching every step of the way.
Let the campaign begin.