College basketball is back, and the hype surrounding the first AP Top 25 Poll is already sending waves through Big Blue Nation.
After a roller-coaster 24–12 season that ended in the Sweet Sixteen, head coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have reloaded — and experts are buzzing with anticipation.
The official AP Poll drops today, but one insider has already stirred the pot. CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone just released his early Top 25 projection, placing Kentucky at No. 11 — just outside the Top 10.
> “Otega Oweh — a true star — is among those returning for Kentucky on a roster that on the whole looks more balanced and deeper than it was last season,” Boone said. “Transfers Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Mouhamed Dioubate give this team a ton of experience.”
The Teams Standing in Kentucky’s Way
According to Boone’s list, the Wildcats face stiff competition from powerhouse programs like Purdue (No. 1), Florida (No. 3), St. John’s (No. 4), and archrival Louisville (No. 10).
Here’s the exciting part: Kentucky will go head-to-head with most of these teams this season — offering a perfect chance to silence any doubters and prove their worth on the national stage.
Meanwhile, several notable opponents are ranked just behind Kentucky, including Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, North Carolina, Gonzaga, Michigan State, and Texas. With this slate, every week is poised to feel like a mini tournament — a true test of the Wildcats’ mettle.
Buckle Up: Big Blue’s Season Is Coming Fast
Following last weekend’s electric Big Blue Madness, Kentucky’s preseason is already in full swing. The annual Blue-White Game is set for this Friday, giving fans a first glimpse at the team’s depth and skill.
Next week, the Wildcats take on Purdue in an exhibition game — a matchup that will give an early taste of how this team stacks up against a top-tier opponent.
On October 30th, Kentucky will host Georgetown in another exhibition before officially opening their regular season on November 4th against Nicholls inside Rupp Arena.
With key stars returning, fresh talent on board, and one of the nation’s toughest schedules ahead, this season could be Mark Pope’s chance to truly make a statement.
So where will Kentucky really land once the AP Poll drops? If you think No. 11 is too low, you’re definitely not alone.
Stay tuned — we’ll update with the latest rankings as soon as they go live
