Kentucky Wildcats fans have plenty to be excited about as the **2025-26 roster** takes shape, with **Otega Oweh officially returning** to the team. His decision to stay in Lexington solidifies Kentucky’s lineup and strengthens their chances of making a deep run in the upcoming season.
### **Otega Oweh’s Impact on the Wildcats**
Oweh, who averaged **16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game** last season, was a key contributor to Kentucky’s success. His ability to score efficiently, defend aggressively, and lead on the court makes him an invaluable asset. With his return, Kentucky retains a **versatile guard** who can dominate both ends of the floor [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJNNDhwWUQ2dHRXZU1UeUZ5TXI2ZksiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtMjAyNi1zZWFzb24tcHJldmlldy1wcm9qZWN0ZWQtc3RhcnRpbmctbGluZXVwLWltcGFjdC1wbGF5ZXJzLXJvdGF0aW9uIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Projected Starting Lineup**
With Oweh back, Kentucky’s **starting five** is expected to be a formidable force:
– **Guard: Jaland Lowe** – A **6-foot-2 transfer from Pittsburgh**, Lowe brings scoring ability and playmaking skills. He averaged **16.8 points and 5.5 assists per game** last season [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtMjAyNi1zZWFzb24tcHJldmlldy1wcm9qZWN0ZWQtc3RhcnRpbmctbGluZXVwLWltcGFjdC1wbGF5ZXJzLXJvdGF0aW9uIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiTTQ4cFlENnR0V2VNVHlGeU1yNmZLIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Guard: Denzel Aberdeen** – A **6-foot-5 junior from Florida**, Aberdeen was a key part of Florida’s national title team. His ability to play both point guard and shooting guard adds flexibility to Kentucky’s backcourt [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtMjAyNi1zZWFzb24tcHJldmlldy1wcm9qZWN0ZWQtc3RhcnRpbmctbGluZXVwLWltcGFjdC1wbGF5ZXJzLXJvdGF0aW9uIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiTTQ4cFlENnR0V2VNVHlGeU1yNmZLIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Guard: Otega Oweh** – The **Wildcats’ leading scorer** last season, Oweh is expected to be a focal point of Kentucky’s offense. His return could make him a contender for **SEC Player of the Year** [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiTTQ4cFlENnR0V2VNVHlGeU1yNmZLIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtMjAyNi1zZWFzb24tcHJldmlldy1wcm9qZWN0ZWQtc3RhcnRpbmctbGluZXVwLWltcGFjdC1wbGF5ZXJzLXJvdGF0aW9uIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Forward: Mouhamed Dioubate** – A **6-foot-7 transfer from Alabama**, Dioubate is a strong defender and rebounder. His ability to stretch the floor and battle inside will be crucial for Kentucky [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJNNDhwWUQ2dHRXZU1UeUZ5TXI2ZksiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9rZW50dWNreS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsLTIwMjUtMjAyNi1zZWFzb24tcHJldmlldy1wcm9qZWN0ZWQtc3RhcnRpbmctbGluZXVwLWltcGFjdC1wbGF5ZXJzLXJvdGF0aW9uIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
– **Forward: Jayden Quaintance** – A **6-foot-9 sophomore and former five-star recruit**, Quaintance is expected to be a dominant presence in the paint. If he stays healthy, he will be a key piece of Kentucky’s frontcourt [A](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/kentucky-basketball-2025-2026-season-preview-projected-starting-lineup-impact-players-rotation?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cuc3BvcnRza2VlZGEuY29tXC9jb2xsZWdlLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWJhc2tldGJhbGwtMjAyNS0yMDI2LXNlYXNvbi1wcmV2aWV3LXByb2plY3RlZC1zdGFydGluZy1saW5ldXAtaW1wYWN0LXBsYXllcnMtcm90YXRpb24iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUzZhaExubzJXd2tKNzdNNDdwSzdtIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiTTQ4cFlENnR0V2VNVHlGeU1yNmZLIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Kentucky’s Strengths for the 2025-26 Season**
With this lineup, Kentucky boasts a **balanced mix of scoring, defense, and versatility**. Oweh’s return ensures that the Wildcats have a **proven leader** who can take over games when needed. Lowe and Aberdeen provide **strong guard play**, while Dioubate and Quaintance add **size and defensive presence**.
Coach **Mark
