The 2025-26 college basketball season is nearly here, and all eyes in Lexington are locked on one player: Otega Oweh. Kentucky’s junior guard isn’t just returning as one of the Wildcats’ most experienced players—he’s also stepping into the national spotlight as one of the country’s most dangerous scorers.
According to the respected analytics site Bart Torvik, Oweh is projected to finish the season as the No. 11 scorer in all of college basketball, averaging an impressive 18 points per game. For a Kentucky team searching for an offensive leader, that’s exactly the kind of production Big Blue Nation has been waiting for.
Why Oweh’s Projection Matters
Kentucky hasn’t always had a go-to scorer in recent years, but Oweh’s emergence could change that. His ability to attack the rim, create his own shot, and finish in transition gives head coach Mark Pope the type of weapon that can swing close SEC battles.
In an era where offense drives winning, Oweh’s projected scoring punch makes Kentucky instantly more dangerous. He won’t just be another piece in the rotation—he’ll be the focal point of the Wildcats’ offense.
The Competition: Elite Names Across the Country
Of course, being projected at No. 11 means Oweh will share the floor with some of the nation’s most electrifying talents. Kentucky fans may see him battle several of them directly:
Josh Hubbard (Mississippi State) – No. 2, 20.6 PPG
Graham Ike – No. 4, 20.1 PPG
Malik Dia (Ole Miss) – No. 10, 18.2 PPG
Mark Mitchell (Missouri) – No. 15, 17.2 PPG
Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) – No. 16, 17.2 PPG
Labaron Philon (Alabama) – No. 20, 16.8 PPG
Each of those names represents a potential SEC showdown or marquee non-conference clash where Oweh’s scoring will be put to the test. Perform well in those games, and his reputation could skyrocket far beyond just analytics.
How Oweh Fits Kentucky’s Bigger Picture
Kentucky enters the new season with high expectations under Pope, who has quickly built a roster blending experienced transfers and promising young talent. But every great team needs a closer—the guy who takes over when the game is on the line.
That’s where Oweh comes in. His projected efficiency and scoring versatility mean he can attack in multiple ways:
Slashing guard play: Driving to the rim and drawing fouls.
Transition buckets: Turning defense into fast-break points.
Clutch scoring: Creating late-game shots when Kentucky needs a bucket most.
If Oweh embraces that role fully, he won’t just lead Kentucky in points—he could push them into SEC title contention and make the Wildcats a serious threat come March.
The Big Question: Can He Climb Higher?
At No. 11, Oweh already sits among elite company. But with Kentucky’s national stage and his expected role as the team’s offensive engine, it’s not crazy to think he could rise even higher. If he’s consistent against SEC competition, his name could be mentioned alongside the very best scorers in the nation.
Big Blue Nation has seen plenty of stars come through Lexington, but few enter a season with such a clear chance to dominate the scoreboard.
This year, the Wildcats’ success may ride on Oweh’s shoulders—and if Bart Torvik’s projections are any indication, he’s ready for the challenge.
So here’s the real debate, BBN: Is Otega Oweh just a Top 20 scorer, or is he about to prove he’s one of the five best offensive weapons in America?
