Momentum Keeps Building for Otega Oweh’s Return to Kentucky Basketball as 2025-26 Season Takes Shape Under Mark Pope

Momentum continues to build toward a highly anticipated return for Otega Oweh to Kentucky basketball, and the buzz surrounding his potential decision is only growing louder. While the dynamic guard is currently testing the waters of the NBA Draft, all signs increasingly suggest he is leaning toward another season in Lexington. His return would represent a major offseason win for new head coach Mark Pope and could help stabilize a Kentucky program navigating one of the most transformative periods in recent history.

Oweh announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, a move that has become commonplace among high-profile underclassmen. His decision was met with widespread understanding, especially considering the breakout season he had in 2024-25. But as NBA evaluations continue and feedback trickles in, Oweh has kept the door open to a return—and that door appears to be swinging open wider by the day.

By declaring for the draft while not hiring an agent, Oweh gave himself the flexibility to explore the professional process without fully closing the book on Kentucky. That middle ground is proving to be the perfect fit for someone in Oweh’s position: talented enough to garner league attention, but still with room to grow and significantly raise his stock with another strong collegiate season.

Oweh’s sophomore campaign was a revelation for the Wildcats. After showing flashes as a freshman, he took on a much larger role and thrived. He averaged double figures in scoring, became a tenacious defender on the perimeter, and routinely energized his team with high-effort plays that didn’t always show up in the box score. His athleticism, strength, and toughness made him a fan favorite, and his competitive edge helped fuel a Kentucky team that showed resilience in an up-and-down season.

It’s precisely that energy and edge that Mark Pope is looking to build around as he puts together his first roster as Kentucky’s head coach. Pope, who took over following John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, has faced the monumental task of rebuilding both a roster and a culture in short order. While he has made splashy additions in the transfer portal and is working hard on the recruiting trail, there is no substitute for returning talent that knows what it means to wear the Kentucky jersey.

Oweh would instantly be one of the most experienced and impactful players on the team, especially as Pope attempts to mesh new faces from different programs into one cohesive unit. There’s also a growing sense that Oweh’s leadership—by example and vocally—would be instrumental during this transition. As a player who’s lived the pressure of playing under the Big Blue spotlight, Oweh could become a stabilizing force in the locker room and on the court.

Beyond intangibles, there’s the clear basketball value he brings. Oweh’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare. At 6-foot-5 with a strong build and explosive first step, he can guard multiple positions, slash to the basket, and knock down perimeter shots when in rhythm. His offensive game continues to evolve, and NBA scouts have reportedly encouraged him to improve his outside shooting and ball-handling consistency—two areas he could address during another year in college while leading a high-profile program.

The opportunity for Oweh to take on an even more featured offensive role under Pope is another compelling reason for a return. While he was an important piece under Calipari, the offense often ran through others. Pope’s system, known for spreading the floor and empowering aggressive guards, could allow Oweh to showcase more of his playmaking skills and raise his assist numbers while maintaining his defensive reputation.

All of this adds up to a potential season that could catapult Oweh into first-round NBA Draft consideration in 2026. That kind of upward trajectory is difficult to ignore, especially when paired with the chance to be a foundational player at Kentucky during a new era. There’s pride and value in being part of a program resurgence, and Oweh could etch his name in the school’s lore by helping Pope’s first team exceed expectations.

What’s particularly interesting is how Oweh has handled the process. By all accounts, he has stayed engaged with Kentucky throughout his draft evaluation. Sources close to the program have noted that the communication between Oweh, his family, and the coaching staff has been consistent and positive. That kind of relationship typically bodes well for a return. Players who are checked out or ready to move on don’t usually maintain that level of involvement with the college staff.

Fans have noticed too. Kentucky faithful have made it clear they want Oweh back, and social media has been filled with support for his return. The fanbase recognizes his value—not just in points and steals, but in what he represents: a player who has bought into the program, stayed through a coaching change, and continues to fight for his spot at the highest level of college basketball.

There’s also a personal growth element to Oweh’s journey that makes a return compelling. Players often talk about “unfinished business” when they decide to come back, and Oweh certainly fits that mold. Despite his strong play, Kentucky didn’t make the kind of deep NCAA Tournament run that fans or players had hoped for. The chance to rewrite that ending, especially with a new coach and revamped roster, could serve as major motivation.

Timing also works in Kentucky’s favor. The NBA Draft Combine and team workouts provide important feedback, but they also tend to be brutally honest. While Oweh has many attractive traits, he’s not yet considered a sure-fire draft pick. That reality, coupled with the benefits of another college season under a coach who wants to feature him, makes the option to return more appealing by the day.

And then there’s the money. While NIL doesn’t match NBA salaries at the top, it has changed the calculus for players on the fringe of draft boards. Kentucky has the infrastructure and support system to make sure its top players are well-compensated. Oweh would likely benefit from significant NIL deals upon his return, giving him financial security while continuing to develop in a setting that suits him.

All of this builds toward a conclusion that increasingly feels inevitable: Otega Oweh will be back in Lexington next season. The final decision will, of course, be his to make, and nothing is official until he announces it. But the clues keep lining up, and each new development strengthens the belief that he’s coming back.

If he does return, the ripple effects could be substantial. Pope would be able to build around a known, trusted player who already has SEC experience. Oweh’s presence would help Kentucky’s incoming players acclimate more quickly. The fan base would rally around a returnee who chose to run it back rather than chase uncertain professional prospects. And the Wildcats would instantly become more dangerous in a wide-open SEC.

As the 2025 NBA Draft early entrant deadline approaches, the momentum surrounding Oweh’s return only grows stronger. The next few weeks will be critical, as Oweh gathers final feedback and meets with coaches, family, and advisors. But if current trends hold, Kentucky fans should prepare to welcome back a familiar face—one who’s ready to lead the Wildcats into a new era with the same passion and intensity they’ve come to love.