Dick Vitale Releases Preseason Ranking for 2025-26 College Basketball Season, Tabs Kentucky Wildcats as Legitimate National Title Contenders

Dick Vitale, one of college basketball’s most iconic voices, has weighed in early on the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season. In his annual preseason rankings, which often blend statistical outlook with his trademark passion for the game, Vitale placed the Kentucky Wildcats firmly among the elite. According to the beloved broadcaster, the Wildcats are poised for a major resurgence and have all the ingredients to compete for a national title under new head coach Mark Pope.

It’s no secret that the past few years have been a rollercoaster ride for Kentucky fans. The final seasons under John Calipari were marked by early tournament exits and frustrations surrounding the program’s direction. Now, under Pope’s leadership, there’s an unmistakable energy surrounding Lexington — a belief that Kentucky basketball is getting back to its core values: passion, teamwork, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Vitale echoed this sentiment in his preseason analysis, citing both roster overhaul and cultural transformation as the key reasons for optimism. “I love what Mark Pope is doing at Kentucky,” Vitale said during a segment on ESPN. “He’s not just collecting talent — he’s building a team, and that’s what wins in March and April.”

Pope’s first offseason at the helm was nothing short of a whirlwind. After being hired in April 2025, he hit the ground running. Several top talents either declared for the NBA Draft or entered the transfer portal after Calipari’s departure, leaving a nearly empty roster. Rather than panic, Pope embraced the challenge. What followed was a remarkably fast and focused rebuilding effort, with Kentucky assembling a roster full of veterans, high-level transfers, and a few under-the-radar freshmen who fit Pope’s style of play.

By late May, Pope had secured commitments from several key players, including Lamar Wilkerson, a tough and athletic two-way forward who chose Kentucky over Indiana; Jaland Lowe, a talented point guard praised for his court vision and leadership; and Otega Oweh, a dynamic wing who tested NBA Draft waters but decided to return to college and bring his experience to Lexington. Vitale pointed to these players specifically as examples of smart, winning-oriented recruiting. “These are battle-tested guys,” he said. “They’re not just looking for a highlight reel — they want to win.”

In his preseason rankings, Vitale placed Kentucky at No. 8 overall, ahead of bluebloods like Duke and North Carolina and just behind national champion UConn and perennial powers such as Kansas and Arizona. That ranking, he explained, is based not just on raw talent, but chemistry and coaching. “When you look at what Pope has built in just a few short months,” Vitale said, “you have to respect it. This isn’t just a quick fix — it’s the foundation for a new era.”

Of course, Kentucky’s returning fan base isn’t content with just being top ten. Big Blue Nation expects banners, and Pope has been careful not to shy away from those expectations. From his introductory press conference to offseason workouts, he’s emphasized his understanding of Kentucky’s standard — and his confidence in meeting it. “No one walks into this job thinking it’s about being good,” Pope said. “It’s about being great. It’s about winning national titles. And we’re going to do everything possible to make that happen.”

One of the defining features of Pope’s first Kentucky team is its experience. Whereas many of Calipari’s rosters were loaded with one-and-done freshmen, Pope has prioritized multi-year college players who understand the grind of a full season. That strategy is something Vitale fully endorsed. “Experience wins in March,” he said. “You need guys who’ve been there, who aren’t rattled when the lights get bright. This Kentucky team has that.”

The Wildcats’ backcourt should be one of the deepest and most versatile in the country. Jaland Lowe, a floor general who transferred in after an impressive freshman campaign, will likely start at point guard. His ability to manage tempo and find open shooters will be crucial in Pope’s offensive system, which emphasizes spacing and ball movement. Joining him is Oweh, whose defensive prowess and slashing ability make him a perfect complement. Rounding out the rotation is junior sharpshooter Jaxson Robinson, who played for Pope at BYU and followed his coach to Lexington. Robinson’s familiarity with Pope’s schemes and his elite three-point shooting provide a steadying influence.

In the frontcourt, Pope added size and toughness with players like Amari Williams, a former Drexel standout and one of the top defensive big men in the portal. Williams brings a shot-blocking presence and a strong rebounding motor — two areas where Kentucky needed a boost. Vitale lauded the addition, calling Williams a “game-changer on defense” and a player who can “anchor a Final Four-caliber team.”

The Wildcats’ bench is also shaping up as one of the deepest in the nation. With versatile wings like Tre White and athletic forwards like Brandon Garrison contributing off the bench, Pope can throw multiple looks at opponents, keeping legs fresh and matchups in his favor. “That’s what makes this team scary,” Vitale said. “They can play big, they can go small, they can run, and they can grind it out in the half-court. They’re built for March.”

Pope’s coaching style has already won over many within the Kentucky program. Known for his energy, meticulous preparation, and player-first approach, he’s brought a different atmosphere to Lexington. Players have spoken highly of the culture shift — a more collaborative, open environment that emphasizes development, accountability, and trust. Those changes haven’t gone unnoticed by Vitale, who described Pope as a “rising star” in the coaching world. “He gets it,” Vitale said. “He’s not afraid to be himself, and he knows how to reach young men in today’s game.”

While the preseason buzz is real, challenges still await. The SEC is loaded once again, with Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas all projected to be among the nation’s best. Non-conference tests against Michigan State, Gonzaga, and Louisville will provide early litmus tests for Pope’s squad. Still, the team’s early chemistry and strong summer workouts have generated confidence. “They’re already ahead of schedule,” Vitale noted.

Kentucky’s return to national relevance under Mark Pope feels less like a hopeful wish and more like an inevitable reality. Vitale’s ranking, while only one person’s opinion, carries weight — not just because of his fame, but because of his love for the game and long-standing history of being right more often than not. His belief in Kentucky is a sign of things to come, and a validation for those who believed Pope was the right man to take the reins.

Even so, Pope has emphasized that the real work begins now. “Rankings are great, but they don’t win games,” he said during a summer media availability. “We have to go out every day and earn it. Every practice, every game, we have to play Kentucky basketball. That’s what matters.”

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Big Blue Nation is brimming with cautious optimism. Dick Vitale’s stamp of approval is just the latest in a growing chorus of voices saying the same thing: Kentucky basketball is back. The Wildcats aren’t just a feel-good story. They’re a legitimate contender. And in the college basketball world, that’s exactly where they belong.