Is Kentucky Still a Top-10 Team Without Otega Oweh?

As Mark Pope enters his second year at the helm in Lexington, the Kentucky Wildcats are reloading with experience and talent, both through the transfer portal and the high school ranks. Headliners like Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno are joining the mix, but one key name still hanging in the balance is Otega Oweh.

After a breakout year under Pope, Oweh is weighing his options between returning to Kentucky or declaring for the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 guard led the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game and brought explosive athleticism and defensive intensity that elevated Kentucky throughout the season, especially following the loss of Jaxson Robinson to injury.

According to SB Nation’s Mike Rutherford, Oweh is among a dozen NBA Draft decisions that could dramatically alter the landscape of college basketball in 2025-26. He wrote:

“After transferring in from Oklahoma, Oweh was a breakout star for Mark Pope in his first season at Kentucky… Kentucky figures to be a preseason top-10 team with or without Oweh, but its national title hopes will receive a significant boost if they can get the elite slasher and on-ball defender back for one more run.”

While some preseason projections place Kentucky just outside the top 10, even if Oweh returns, Rutherford argues the Wildcats’ potential is undeniable either way. Still, talent alone doesn’t guarantee results.

If Oweh returns, he brings veteran leadership, experience in Pope’s system, and a proven ability to perform in high-pressure moments, making him a vital piece for a squad loaded with promise but still searching for chemistry and consistency.

National Experts Believe Otega Oweh Is Coming Back to Kentucky

“Run It Back?” National Experts Believe Otega Oweh Is Coming Back to Kentucky, And BBN Is Buzzing

It’s not official yet, but the signs are pointing in one direction: Otega Oweh might just be gearing up for one more season in Lexington.

As the NBA Draft Combine wraps up in Chicago and Oweh continues through the pre-draft process, a growing chorus of national voices is now predicting the All-SEC guard will return to Kentucky for his senior season. He has until May 28 to make that final decision, but if you listen closely, the momentum is undeniable.

“I think he is coming back to Lexington,” said Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 following Oweh’s second scrimmage at the Combine.

Aaron Torres of Fox Sports Radio chimed in as well: “To me, I think he comes back  and when he does, I think Kentucky is a legitimate top 5 to top 10 team, good enough to compete for a national championship.”

Even 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein joined the chorus: “It sounds like the momentum has him going back to Kentucky.”

And it’s not hard to see why.

Oweh impressed in both Combine scrimmages, totaling 24 points across two games while showing flashes of elite athleticism, defensive tenacity, and improved confidence. His numbers were strong:

• Game 1: 10 points (4-8 FG), 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
• Game 2: 14 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 3PT, 5-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Yet, despite his productivity, scouts are still waiting to see him become a more consistent shooter and playmaker. The general feeling is that another year under Mark Pope and another season developing his NBA-ready frame would elevate his draft stock and overall game. As of now, Oweh isn’t showing up in major mock drafts.

Then there’s the money.

During ESPN’s coverage of the Combine, NBA front office insider Bobby Marks broke it down plainly: “He’s going to get more by going back to Kentucky. That’s generational money.” According to Marks, Oweh could out-earn a second-round pick or two-way contract by returning to Lexington, where NIL deals and college stardom offer a better immediate payoff.

“He’ll be chasing what he gave up at Kentucky for the next three years,” Marks said bluntly.

It’s not a knock on his pro potential. Oweh will have a role in the league. But the timing matters. His game needs just a little more seasoning, and the college spotlight, especially at a program like Kentucky, offers the perfect platform.

Now, the clock ticks toward May 28. Oweh could announce at any time. Big Blue Nation holds its breath.

And if the experts are right, if Otega Oweh does return for one more run, Kentucky’s championship dreams might just become very real.