The Kentucky Wildcats, one of college basketball’s most storied programs, are charging into the 2025–26 season with a new vision, a revitalized identity, and a roster that promises to thrill the Big Blue Nation. After a whirlwind offseason filled with transfer portal movement, player development, and major commitments, Coach Mark Pope now has his inaugural Kentucky roster set in stone—and fans are buzzing with optimism.
While the John Calipari era was defined by one-and-done talent and explosive recruiting headlines, Pope’s arrival brings a slightly different—but no less exciting—philosophy to Lexington: a blend of experienced transfers, talented underclassmen, and system-first basketball. And let’s be clear—this is no rebuilding project. The 2025-26 Kentucky Wildcats are built to compete right now.
Let’s break down the official roster, player by player, position by position, and set the stage for what could be a magical season at Rupp Arena.
Coach Mark Pope’s Vision in Motion
Before diving into names and numbers, it’s important to understand the culture Pope is instilling. After successful stops at Utah Valley and BYU, Pope built a reputation as a player’s coach—detail-oriented, passionate, and a firm believer in unselfish basketball. His approach to building the roster this year proves he isn’t trying to emulate Calipari; he’s forging his own Kentucky blueprint.
“We’re going to play fast, we’re going to play smart, and we’re going to play together,” Pope said in his first team address this offseason. “This is a new era for Kentucky, but we’re still chasing banners.”
THE ROSTER (2025–26 KENTUCKY WILDCATS)
RETURNING PLAYERS
1. D.J. Wagner – Guard – Sophomore
Wagner, one of the prized recruits from Calipari’s final class, decided to stay in Lexington to develop under Pope. After a mixed freshman season, he returns with a chip on his shoulder and the green light to be a combo guard in Pope’s offense. Expect his game to take a leap with more structure and fewer forced heroics.
2. Reed Sheppard – Guard – Sophomore
Sheppard shocked everyone by choosing to stay. The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year was projected as a lottery pick but opted for another season in blue and white. His leadership, shooting, and defensive instincts make him the heart and soul of the team. His return alone guarantees Kentucky a high floor.
3. Adou Thiero – Forward – Junior
The ultimate glue guy. Thiero returns as the team’s most versatile defender and one of the most improved players in the SEC. With Pope emphasizing defensive toughness and rebounding, Thiero will be a key piece, especially guarding wings and small-ball fours.
IMPACT TRANSFERS
4. Otega Oweh – Guard/Wing – Junior (from Oklahoma)
This might be the most under-the-radar pickup of the offseason. Oweh averaged 11.4 points per game at Oklahoma and brings serious athleticism and two-way toughness. Pope praised his defensive instincts and sees him as a lockdown perimeter option.
5. Koby Brea – Guard – Senior (from Dayton)
Brea might be the best pure shooter in the transfer portal this cycle. He shot over 46% from three last season and gives Kentucky a legitimate sniper to stretch the floor. Expect him to come off the bench as an instant offense sixth man, though he could start if Pope wants to go small.
6. Jaxson Robinson – Wing – Senior (from BYU)
Pope went back to familiar territory to land Robinson, his former player at BYU. Robinson brings a smooth scoring game, excellent length at 6’7″, and deep familiarity with Pope’s system. His leadership will be essential, and he could emerge as the team’s top scoring option on the wing.
7. Amari Williams – Center – Senior (from Drexel)
At 6’10”, 250 lbs, Williams is a true paint enforcer. The reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Year, Williams gives the Wildcats interior presence on both ends of the floor. Think Oscar Tshiebwe without the baggage of needing the offense to revolve around him. Rebounding and rim protection will be his bread and butter.
8. Lamont Butler – Guard – Graduate Senior (from San Diego State)
Yes, that Lamont Butler—the March Madness hero who sent SDSU to the 2023 title game. He brings championship DNA, perimeter defense, and veteran leadership to a backcourt full of talent. Expect Butler to be the team’s primary ball-handler and a defensive tone-setter.
FRESHMAN CLASS
9. Travis Perry – Guard – Freshman
Kentucky’s all-time leading high school scorer, Perry is a fan favorite already. He may not start right away, but his shooting touch and basketball IQ make him a long-term rotation player. He plays smart, moves without the ball, and could blossom under Pope’s tutelage.
10. Collin Chandler – Guard – Freshman (returned from mission)
Technically a freshman, Chandler is older than most newcomers after completing a two-year LDS mission. A former top-30 recruit, Chandler gives Kentucky a wild card—he’s athletic, long, and explosive when confident. Expect him to compete for minutes as a defensive spark and transition threat.
WALK-ONS & DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYERS
11. Joey Hart – Wing – Redshirt Freshman
Transferred in but redshirted last season. Hart is a 6’5″ shooter with bounce and has reportedly impressed in practice. If injuries arise, don’t be surprised to see him get spot minutes.
12. Grant Darbyshire – Guard – Junior
Longtime walk-on who stays ready. Provides locker room leadership and helps maintain the practice standard.
Depth Chart Projection (Early Look)
| Position | Starter | Backup | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Lamont Butler | D.J. Wagner | Travis Perry |
| SG | Reed Sheppard | Koby Brea | Collin Chandler |
| SF | Jaxson Robinson | Otega Oweh | Joey Hart |
| PF | Adou Thiero | Otega Oweh | Chandler |
| C | Amari Williams | Thiero (small-ball) | TBD (spot fill-in) |
The team boasts positional flexibility, especially at the 2–4 spots. Pope can go small with three guards, go big with two wings, or roll with a traditional frontcourt. This gives him the adaptability needed to handle the grind of the SEC.
Playing Style: What to Expect
Coach Pope’s BYU teams thrived on ball movement, spacing, and effort on both ends. Kentucky fans can expect a more team-oriented brand of basketball this season, where the assist-to-turnover ratio matters more than highlight reels.
Look for:
- High pick-and-roll usage between Butler/Wagner and Williams
- Sheppard off-ball movement reminiscent of Kyle Korver/Rip Hamilton
- Defensive lineups featuring Oweh, Thiero, and Butler that can switch and suffocate
- Three-point shooting emphasis with Brea, Robinson, Sheppard, and Perry spacing the floor
The X-Factors
Every great team needs a few wild cards. For Kentucky, these are the guys whose ceiling could push this roster from good to great:
- Jaxson Robinson: If he becomes a 16–18 PPG scorer, Kentucky could have its go-to guy.
- Amari Williams: A dominant defensive presence will stabilize the team and deter driving guards in the SEC.
- D.J. Wagner: Can he embrace a secondary scoring role while upping his efficiency?
Final Thoughts: What This Roster Means
This is a balanced roster—a mix of young stars, experienced guards, gritty defenders, and sharp shooters. It’s not flashy like some past Kentucky lineups, but it may prove to be more cohesive and more capable of winning when it matters most.
Mark Pope has managed to:
- Retain key talent (Sheppard, Wagner, Thiero)
- Add seasoned veterans with postseason experience (Butler, Williams, Robinson)
- Secure shooters to open up the floor (Brea, Perry)
- Build a culture-first program with defense, discipline, and chemistry as its hallmarks.
Is it a Final Four roster? That depends on how the pieces mesh. But one thing is clear: Kentucky basketball is back with purpose, and Pope is steering the ship with poise and vision.