The Wildcats are viewed as a Final Four contender in their second year under Mark Pope.
RotoWire’s Ryan Andrade has revealed his preseason college basketball rankings for the 2025-26 season, and Kentucky Wildcats fans have plenty to be excited about.
The Cats came in at No. 4 on Andrade’s list, trailing only Purdue (No. 1), Houston (No. 2), and defending national champion Florida (No. 3).
Mark Pope was impressive in his first year in Lexington, guiding Kentucky to a No. 3 seed and a Sweet Sixteen appearance. With an even stronger transfer class this offseason, Andrade sees Kentucky taking a major leap in Pope’s second season.
Kentucky is expected to be led by Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance, a former top recruit who brings elite shot-blocking and inside toughness, where Kentucky lacked last season. Pairing him with dynamic point guard Jaland Lowe, Kentucky will have the foundation of a championship-caliber team.
Andrade also highlights Pope’s ability to reload talent while navigating the ever-changing transfer portal landscape. After navigating one of the toughest SEC slates in recent memory, Pope and company proved they belong in the national conversation.
The rest of Andrade’s top 10 features some familiar faces: St. John’s at No. 5, led by former UK coach John Calipari, Duke at No. 6, rival Louisville at No. 7, Michigan No. 8, BYU No. 9, and UConn (No. 10).
Kentucky fans have high expectations every year, but if Andrade is right, 2025-26 could be special for the Big Blue Nation.