Dick Vitale, the legendary voice of college basketball and longtime ESPN analyst, has once again stirred the pot of preseason anticipation, delivering his much-anticipated rankings for the 2025–26 NCAA men’s basketball season. And this year, it’s the Kentucky Wildcats who’ve caught his attention. With characteristic enthusiasm and basketball wisdom honed over decades, Vitale has placed the Wildcats at No. 3 in his preseason rankings, a nod to the program’s mix of returning veterans, elite freshmen, and what he called “an undeniable hunger to return to championship form.”
For Big Blue Nation, Vitale’s recognition feels like validation. After several years of postseason frustration—including early NCAA tournament exits and a rollercoaster of transfers and coaching questions—Kentucky is finally back in the national spotlight. This upcoming season, Vitale believes, could be the one that returns the Wildcats to the Final Four and perhaps even delivers the school’s ninth national championship.
“Get ready, baby!” Vitale said in his annual preseason reveal on ESPN+. “John Calipari may have left for the NBA, but this Kentucky program didn’t miss a beat. What Mark Pope is building right now in Lexington is special. They’ve got talent, depth, experience, and the kind of leadership you need to cut down nets in March. They’re my No. 3 team heading into the season, and don’t be shocked if they climb even higher by December.”
The Wildcats’ resurgence starts with roster construction, and few programs have mastered the art of the modern college basketball lineup like Kentucky. Under first-year head coach Mark Pope—a former Wildcat himself who won a national championship with Kentucky in 1996—the team has embraced the transfer portal and blended it with high-level recruiting to reload, not rebuild. This roster, Vitale says, is a prime example of why college basketball’s new landscape can still produce elite, cohesive teams if managed correctly.
Leading the charge for the Wildcats is returning star Brandon Garrison. The 6-foot-11 center flirted with the NBA Draft but ultimately announced his return to Lexington for another season. Vitale praised Garrison’s decision, noting that his development—particularly on the offensive end—could be a game-changer for Kentucky.
“Brandon Garrison could be the best big man in the SEC, baby!” Vitale exclaimed. “He’s got that soft touch around the rim, he protects the paint like a Windex man cleaning the glass, and he’s a leader. His return gives Kentucky the kind of interior presence you need to win in March.”
But Garrison won’t be alone. Kentucky added several high-profile transfers, including former Baylor guard Langston Love and Arizona State wing Alonzo Gaffney. Love brings scoring and veteran savvy, while Gaffney adds athleticism and defensive versatility. Add in the arrival of five-star freshman point guard Jayden Quaintance—one of the most electrifying players in the 2025 class—and the Wildcats suddenly boast a dynamic, deep roster capable of playing fast, physical basketball.
“Quaintance is the real deal,” Vitale said. “He’s got vision, he’s got pace, and he makes plays that leave you saying, ‘Are you serious?’ Kentucky fans are going to love this kid.”
Also returning is guard D.J. Wagner, who had an up-and-down freshman season but showed flashes of brilliance. With another offseason under his belt and less pressure to be the primary scorer, Wagner could thrive in a complementary role. Vitale believes Wagner is “one of the X-factors” for Kentucky this year, especially if he can play more off the ball and focus on defense and transition scoring.
“Sometimes you just need a year to get comfortable, especially in a program with so much history and pressure,” Vitale noted. “D.J. Wagner is going to surprise a lot of people. He’s ready to take that next step.”
The bench is deep, too. Players like Adou Thiero, Reed Sheppard, and Zvonimir Ivišić bring experience and versatility. Vitale was particularly bullish on Sheppard, calling him “one of the most underrated two-way players in the country.” His shooting, energy, and basketball IQ could be vital for a team with so many new faces.
“Reed Sheppard just knows how to play, baby,” Vitale said. “He makes winning plays. He’ll be the glue guy, the heart and soul when Kentucky needs it most.”
One of the biggest reasons Vitale is so high on Kentucky isn’t just talent—it’s coaching. Mark Pope may be in his first season at the helm in Lexington, but he’s hardly a rookie. Pope was a hot commodity in coaching circles after leading BYU to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and his ability to blend analytics with old-school toughness has already won over many in the college basketball world.
“Mark Pope gets it,” Vitale said. “He played the game at a high level, he understands today’s player, and he’s not afraid to adapt. But more than anything, he knows what it means to wear that Kentucky jersey. He’s bringing pride back to Rupp Arena.”
Pope has emphasized culture in his short time at Kentucky, and that culture is already resonating with recruits, returning players, and alumni. Practices have a new energy, players are staying longer, and accountability is at an all-time high. Vitale said the Wildcats have “the look of a team that believes it can win it all,” and that belief is often half the battle.
Of course, Kentucky’s path to the Final Four won’t be easy. The SEC is loaded once again, with Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas all ranked in Vitale’s preseason top 10. Non-conference play will test the Wildcats early, with matchups against Kansas, Duke, and Gonzaga on the schedule. But Vitale believes Kentucky has the talent and mental toughness to weather any storm.
“It’s not just about who’s on your roster—it’s about how you respond to adversity,” Vitale said. “Kentucky is going to face challenges, no doubt about it. But I think this group is built to handle the ups and downs. They’ve got leaders in the locker room and a coach who knows how to keep the train on the tracks.”
For Kentucky fans, Vitale’s preseason love is a reason to dream again. The past few seasons have been turbulent, with early exits and criticism of the program’s direction. But with a new coach, a reloaded roster, and the backing of one of the sport’s most respected voices, hope has returned to Lexington in a big way.
And for Vitale, who has seen countless teams rise and fall over his storied career, this Kentucky team feels like one that’s ready to rise again—ready to chase banners, ready to own the big moments, and ready to make Rupp Arena the center of the college basketball universe once more.
“College basketball is better when Kentucky is elite,” Vitale said. “And trust me, baby—they’re going to be elite this year.”
Only time will tell whether Vitale’s prediction holds true. But if the Wildcats live up to their billing, there’s a good chance that come April, Kentucky will be dancing deep into March Madness. And should they cut down the nets in Phoenix, don’t be surprised if Dickie V is there, front and center, yelling “Awesome, baby!” with tears in his eyes and a smile that stretches from ear to ear.
Because this season, Kentucky isn’t just back—they’re built for greatness.
