Could Otega Oweh Win the Naismith Player of the Year? Kentucky’s Star is Poised for Greatness in 2025-26

Could Otega Oweh Win the Naismith Player of the Year? Kentucky’s Star is Poised for Greatness in 2025-26

As the 2025–26 college basketball season draws closer, all eyes in Lexington  and across the nation  are turning to Otega Oweh. The explosive Kentucky guard is back for his senior season, and with the stage set and the spotlight shining, there’s growing belief that he could make a serious run at college basketball’s most prestigious individual honor: the Naismith Player of the Year.

After transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh made an immediate impact for Mark Pope’s Wildcats, leading the team in scoring at 16.2 points per game last season. His relentless slashing ability, elite athleticism, and defensive tenacity helped anchor Kentucky’s attack on both ends of the floor. But as good as he was, the scary truth is  he’s just getting started.

NBA Feedback Fueled a Fire

Oweh tested the NBA Draft waters this offseason, gathering valuable feedback from scouts and executives. While his stock showed promise, it became clear that he could solidify himself as a future pro with another year of polish  especially in one key area: three-point shooting.

Recognizing the importance of evolving as a scorer, Oweh returned to Lexington with a mission. He’s been spotted in offseason workout videos drilling shots from deep, tightening his handle, and working to expand his offensive bag. If his perimeter shooting becomes a reliable weapon, Oweh won’t just be a top college player  he’ll be nearly unguardable.

The Blueprint to Naismith Glory

The path to winning the Naismith Player of the Year is demanding. For Oweh to insert himself into the conversation, he’ll likely need to:

• Increase his scoring average to 20+ points per game
• Show significant improvement as a three-point shooter
• Remain dominant as a slasher and mid-range threat
• Continue his elite defense  both on-ball and in help situations
• Lead Kentucky to team success in the SEC and beyond

If he hits those benchmarks, there will be no denying Oweh’s place among the best in the nation.

What separates him from other contenders is his two-way presence. Unlike many volume scorers, Oweh is also an aggressive, disruptive defender. His physicality, instincts, and commitment on that end of the floor are attributes that not only win games but win awards  especially when voters are looking for a complete player.

A Special Season on the Horizon?

Mark Pope knows he has a star in the making. Oweh’s leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit have already made him a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ roster. Now, with the national spotlight on Kentucky once again, he’ll have the platform to showcase just how far he’s come.

Kentucky fans have seen legends rise before  from Anthony Davis to Jamal Murray to Oscar Tshiebwe. Could Otega Oweh be next?

The talent is there. The motivation is burning. And if he takes the leap from star to superstar, don’t be surprised when his name appears on every Naismith watchlist not just as a nominee, but as a favorite.