Mark Pope’s new-look roster has Big Blue Nation buzzing ahead of a brutal early schedule.
The wait is finally over. The first Associated Press Top 25 poll of the 2025–26 college basketball season has arrived — and yes, the Kentucky Wildcats are right in the mix.
But here’s the question that has Big Blue Nation fired up: Is No. 11 too low for this roster?
Mark Pope’s Second Season: A New Era Taking Shape
When Mark Pope returned to Lexington last spring, fans hoped for energy and identity. What they got was a coach who rebuilt Kentucky’s DNA in less than 12 months.
Last season’s 24–12 campaign ended in a Sweet Sixteen loss, but it was clear the foundation was being laid. Now, Pope has a team that looks deeper, more experienced, and built to handle the physical demands of SEC play.
The Wildcats bring back key veterans — including Otega Oweh, one of the breakout stars of last year’s squad — and reload with a transfer class that could change everything.
From Arizona State’s Jayden Quaintance to Pitt’s Jaland Lowe and Alabama’s Mouhamed Dioubate, Pope has added athleticism, maturity, and size. Every position has competition. Every player has something to prove.
CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone took notice, placing Kentucky at No. 11 in his preseason Top 25.
> “Otega Oweh — a true star — is among those returning for Kentucky on a roster that looks more balanced and deeper than it was last season,” Boone wrote. “Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance, Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe, and Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate give this team a ton of experience.”
Balanced. Deep. Experienced. Words Kentucky fans haven’t heard in years.
A Schedule Only the Brave Would Build
If you’re looking for a cupcake schedule, you won’t find it in Lexington.
Kentucky’s non-conference slate is loaded with heavyweight matchups that could define their season before Christmas. The Cats are set to face several teams ranked ahead of them in Boone’s projection:
No. 1 Purdue — The reigning Big Ten power and early national title favorite.
No. 3 Florida — An early SEC showdown that could shape the conference race.
No. 4 St. John’s — A must-see clash of tempo and talent.
No. 10 Louisville — The rivalry game that needs no introduction.
But it doesn’t stop there. Kentucky will also battle a long list of ranked foes sitting just behind them, including Alabama (No. 14), Auburn (No. 17), Tennessee (No. 18), Arkansas (No. 19), North Carolina (No. 21), Gonzaga (No. 22), Michigan State (No. 23), and Texas (No. 24).
In short: nearly half of Kentucky’s schedule features ranked opponents. It’s brutal. It’s relentless. And it’s exactly what Mark Pope wanted.
A top-15 finish in that gauntlet could easily position Kentucky for a deep March run — and silence every critic still doubting Pope’s approach.
Big Blue Madness Kicks Off a Packed October
If Big Blue Madness was any indication, this fanbase is more than ready. The energy inside Rupp Arena on Saturday was electric, and the crowd got its first real glimpse of Pope’s retooled roster.
Next up, fans can mark their calendars for a loaded preseason stretch:
Friday, Oct. 17: The annual Blue-White Game — an early test for the newcomers.
Friday, Oct. 24: An exhibition showdown with Purdue that could feel like a Final Four preview.
Wednesday, Oct. 30: A second exhibition against Georgetown, another high-profile tune-up.
Monday, Nov. 4: Season opener vs. Nicholls at Rupp Arena.
From there, the real journey begins — a battle for national respect and SEC supremacy.
The Big Question: Is No. 11 a Fair Ranking?
Depending on who you ask, Kentucky’s No. 11 ranking is either a fair start or an insult.
Critics say the Wildcats are unproven under Pope and need to show they can win consistently in big games. Supporters point to the roster depth, veteran leadership, and elite guard play that could make Kentucky a top-five team by January.
What’s undeniable is this: Mark Pope has completely changed the tone of the conversation around Kentucky basketball.
For the first time in years, it feels like there’s purpose — not just potential.
Fans React: “We’re Coming for Everybody”
Social media lit up after Boone’s poll prediction. One fan on X wrote, “If this team clicks by December, watch out. Nobody in the country is deeper.” Another said, “11 is fine. It just means they’ll climb faster.”
That’s the mindset around Lexington now — confidence mixed with patience.
The first AP poll is only the beginning. But if this team plays up to its talent, Kentucky could be back in the national spotlight for good.
