The star of last season for the Kentucky Wildcats wasn’t a freshman phenom or a one-and-done NBA prospect. It was Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh, who came to Lexington and immediately became Mark Pope’s go-to scorer.
Oweh averaged 16.2 points per game, delivered two game-winning shots, and showed the poise of a superstar in crunch time. When he chose Kentucky, fans expected a solid piece. What they got instead was the face of the team.
Now, as the 2025–26 season gets underway, Oweh looks like a lock for Preseason SEC Player of the Year—and a name that should be in the conversation for best in the nation.
The DISRESPECT Is Real
You’d think leading a program like Kentucky and dominating in year one would earn Oweh some national love. Apparently not.
CBS Sports polled a group of anonymous college basketball coaches on who they think the best players in the country are. The shocking result? Otega Oweh didn’t receive a single vote.
Even Matt Norlander, who put together the piece, admitted how ridiculous that was, saying:
> “The best player to not get at least one vote? I’d probably pick Kentucky’s Otega Oweh.”
So how is the guy being called the best in the SEC not even cracking the national top ten lists?
Why Otega Oweh Could Be the Most Dangerous Player in America
Oweh’s game goes beyond stats. He’s arguably the best slasher in college basketball, an elite defender, and someone who thrives in the spotlight.
He has the two-way ability to become a Defensive All-American, all while carrying the scoring load. He’s the type of player that wins you games in March—and that’s exactly what Kentucky fans are banking on.
Don’t Be Shocked When Oweh Proves Everyone Wrong
The snubs, the overlooked lists, the lack of recognition—it’s all fuel for Oweh heading into this season.
National analysts may doubt him. Coaches may ignore him. But Big Blue Nation knows exactly what he is: a star who’s about to put the country on notice.
Many scoff at the idea that Oweh could win National Player of the Year. But here’s the truth: he has a better chance than most are willing to admit. And when the season tips off, don’t be surprised if he makes those same coaches regret ever leaving his name off their lists.
