ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf released their Top 100 men’s college basketball players for the 2025-26 season, and Kentucky was well-represented with three Wildcats earning spots on the list.
Leading the way is Otega Oweh, ranked No. 12 overall, as the senior guard looks to build on a standout 2024-25 campaign that earned him SEC Preseason Player of the Year honors. Oweh was a consistent force in Mark Pope’s first season at the helm, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while starting all 36 games. His leadership and durability were crucial to Kentucky’s Sweet 16 run, and he’s expected to remain the team’s anchor this season.
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At No. 28, Jayden Quaintance made the list after transferring from Arizona State. Despite tearing his ACL in February, Pope says the 6-9 forward’s recovery has been “miraculous.” Quaintance averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks last year and could be the missing piece in Kentucky’s chase for its ninth national title.
At No. 42, Jaland Lowe rounds out the trio. The junior guard from Pitt averaged 16.8 points and 5.5 assists last season, and Pope believes his playmaking will shine in Kentucky’s system.
Back in May on Kentucky Sports Radio, Pope compared Lowe’s potential growth to Lamont Butler, a former Wildcat who elevated his game through smarter shot selection. Pope said Lowe can make a similar leap and not necessarily by changing his skill set, but by refining how he approaches the game.
