Kentucky Cracks ESPN’s Top 10 After NBA Draft Deadline

Kentucky Cracks ESPN’s Top 10 After NBA Draft Deadline: Why the Wildcats Are Suddenly a Title Threat Again

After weeks of anticipation and speculation, the dust has finally settled on the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline  and Kentucky basketball fans are smiling wide in its aftermath. ESPN has officially bumped Mark Pope’s Wildcats from No. 11 to No. 9 in its updated “Way-Too-Early Top 25” rankings for the 2025-26 season, a jump largely fueled by the return of star wing Otega Oweh and an offseason overhaul that has Lexington buzzing about championship possibilities.

Why the Surge?

In a word: depth  especially on the perimeter.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Kentucky boasts “one of the most loaded perimeter groups in the country.” Transfers Jaland Lowe (Pitt), Kam Williams (Tulane), and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) join five-star freshman Jasper Johnson and leading scorer Otega Oweh, creating a guard rotation that could rival any in America. Even reserve Collin Chandler, a long-time Wildcat with upside, is still in the fold.

On the inside, the Wildcats made it clear: defense matters. Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State) bring intensity and size, though Quaintance is recovering from a torn ACL. In his absence, a leap from Brandon Garrison, last year’s solid contributor, becomes vital.

Projected Starting Five (ESPN):

• Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG, Pitt)
• Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG, Florida)
• Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
• Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG, Alabama)
• Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG, Arizona State)

Kentucky’s Climb in Other Rankings

It’s not just ESPN giving Kentucky its flowers. Over at The Athletic, CJ Moore also pegs the Wildcats at No. 9, citing a “frontcourt with intrigue” and a team that could absolutely contend for a national title if point guard Jaland Lowe reaches his ceiling.

Moore praised Pope’s ability to “microwave chemistry” in his first year, and he’s now been gifted a roster with more versatility, athleticism, and high-end talent.

Key Returners:

• Otega Oweh
• Brandon Garrison
• Collin Chandler
• Trent Noah

Newcomers and Impact Transfers:

• Jaland Lowe (Pitt)
• Denzel Aberdeen (Florida)
• Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama)
• Kam Williams (Tulane)
• Jasper Johnson (5-star recruit)
• Andrija Jelavic (international pro)
• Malachi Moreno (freshman)
• Reece Potter (transfer)
• Braydon Hawthorne (walk-on)

Can It All Come Together?

This Kentucky team may not have the shooting prowess of Pope’s first squad, but it more than makes up for it with length, switchability, and defensive potential. There’s a clear identity forming  one that prioritizes toughness, playmaking, and depth over pure offensive firepower.

But there’s one big question looming over everything: Can Mark Pope juggle all this talent?

With potentially 12 players deserving of minutes, Pope will need to manage egos, rotations, and expectations. Locker room chemistry will be tested. NIL deals and competitive drive are very real dynamics. As the Field of 68 guys pointed out, “too many mouths to feed” could be both a blessing and a curse.

Still, if the stars align  and if Jaland Lowe evolves into the all-SEC guard many expect  Kentucky will be a legitimate Final Four and national title contender.

The preseason respect is rolling in. Now, all that’s left is to earn it when the lights come on.