Zakai Zeigler's college career is officially over, and in the eyes of Big Blue Nation, not a moment too soon.
The courts slammed the door on Zeigler's attempt to secure a fifth year of eligibility, denying his waiver request this week. And while Tennessee fans may be disappointed, Kentucky fans have plenty of reasons not to shed a single tear for the Volunteers’ point guard.
A solid career, but not against Kentucky
Statistically, Zeigler had a nice run in Knoxville:
- Games Played: 104
- Points: 1,062
- Assists: 532
- Steals: 180
- 3PT FG: 146
- Free Throw %: 80.2%
He earned two All-SEC selections, an SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honor (2023), and First-Team All-SEC honors (2024). He was the engine behind Rick Barnes’ grind-it-out style for four seasons.
But for all his accolades, Zeigler was never much of a problem for Kentucky, finishing with a losing record against the Cats.
In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Tennessee did finally get a rare big win and revenge by knocking Kentucky out in the Sweet 16 — only to immediately get humiliated by Houston in the next round. That abrupt exit served as a fitting capstone to both Tennessee’s run and Zeigler’s career: a little bark, but ultimately not much bite according to BBN.
The classless exit
For many Kentucky fans, Zeigler's legacy isn’t about the points or the wins — it’s about the way he carried himself when the spotlight was on.
During this year's NCAA Tournament, after advancing past the early rounds when they played in Lexington, Zeigler was photographed flipping off a Kentucky sign in the tunnels. Rather than show any regret, Zeigler doubled down and reposted the image on his Instagram story — proudly broadcasting his disrespect toward Kentucky’s program and its fanbase.
Bro gets told “no…you can’t play forever what the fuck? Your career is over. Get a job bitch😭🙏” by the NCAA and the FIRST thing “Zakai Zeigler” does is think about Kentucky 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Pope’s Crib (@ScoopLexington) June 12, 2025
Lil bro syndrome on full display. pic.twitter.com/AgyEpy4GYc
It was petty. It was unnecessary. And it showed exactly why, in the end, Zeigler will be remembered far more for his mouth than his game in Lexington. Rivalries are one thing, but this was a step too far in BBN's eyes.
For Kentucky fans, Zeigler’s denied waiver feels like poetic justice. His numbers were good. His attitude was not. He spent four years chasing Kentucky — and outside of one big one, he left with a losing record against the program he clearly couldn’t get out of his head.
Big Blue Nation will happily move forward without seeing Zeigler’s taunts, trash talk, or tired gestures on the court again. As far as Kentucky’s concerned — enjoy retirement.