It’s official. The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball roster for the 2025-26 season is now set—and it’s a sight to behold. After months of speculation, transfers, recruitments, and a new vision under second-year head coach Mark Pope, Big Blue Nation can finally let out a roar of excitement. This roster blends youth and experience, NBA-level athleticism with savvy college-tested grit, and for the first time in years, Kentucky fans have a team that feels complete before November.
So, where are we at? Let’s dive deep into the finalized 2025–26 Kentucky Wildcats roster and why this team might be on the cusp of a historic season.
New Era, New Look: The Pope Effect
Mark Pope’s inaugural season in Lexington brought passion, purpose, and a distinctly different approach than the John Calipari-led teams of the past 15 years. Pope’s background in player development, offensive structure, and creating a family-like culture has transformed the program in a short span. The 2024–25 season ended in a spirited Sweet 16 appearance, but the hunger for more remains.
This offseason, Pope didn’t waste time. He retained key pieces, attracted portal veterans, and recruited a balanced freshman class—not just five-stars, but guys who fit. Let’s break down the roster.
Returning Core: Experience Finally Meets Talent
Justin Edwards – Senior – SF (6’8”)
The surprise return of Edwards gives Kentucky a dynamic wing with NBA talent. After testing draft waters and receiving feedback, Edwards recommitted to the Wildcats with something to prove. He averaged 11.6 PPG last season, but it’s his improved three-point shooting and defensive versatility that could vault him into an All-SEC season.
Reed Sheppard – Junior – G (6’3”)
Kentucky’s heart and soul. After flirting with a late-first-round NBA projection, Sheppard is back for another year of blue-and-white brilliance. A leader on and off the court, he averaged 12.3 PPG, 5.4 APG, and led the SEC in steals. Reed’s development under Pope has made him one of the most complete guards in college basketball.
Aaron Bradshaw – Junior – C (7’1”)
Finally healthy and fully bought into Pope’s inside-out system, Bradshaw returns as the anchor in the paint. His ability to block shots, rebound, and stretch the floor gives Kentucky a modern big with elite upside.
Joey Hart – Junior – SG (6’5”)
The sharpshooter saw his role increase late last season and earned Pope’s trust with his defensive effort and timely threes. Expect Hart to be a glue-guy who plays major minutes, especially against zone defenses.
Transfer Portal Wins: Pope’s Portal Power
Mark Pope has quickly become one of the most respected portal recruiters in the country, and this year’s haul proves it.
Otega Oweh – Junior – Wing (6’5”, from Oklahoma)
A hard-nosed slasher who averaged 13.4 PPG with the Sooners, Oweh brings physicality and lockdown defense. His motor never stops, and he can guard 1 through 4. This is a Mark Pope kind of player—tough, team-first, and fearless.
Mason Madsen – Senior – G (6’4”, from Cincinnati)
The older brother of ex-Wildcat signee Gabe Madsen, Mason is a floor general with a sniper’s touch. He shot 40.2% from deep last season and gives Kentucky a reliable backup point guard and mentor for the younger guards.
Tre Carroll – Junior – PF (6’8”, from FGCU)
Carroll’s stretch-four skill set adds a new wrinkle to Kentucky’s offense. A career 38% three-point shooter with sneaky hops, Carroll can step out or finish inside, perfect for Pope’s spacing-heavy offense.
Isaiah Miranda – Junior – C (7’0”, from NC State)
Once a five-star prospect, Miranda has found his groove and matured as a rim protector and pick-and-roll finisher. With Bradshaw, Pope can now rotate twin towers or run big-little combinations depending on matchups.
Freshman Class: Underrated but Dangerous
This is not the “one-and-done” elite five-star class of the Calipari years, but it might be better for team chemistry and long-term success.
Travis Perry – PG (6’2”)
The all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school history, Perry is a hometown legend and floor leader. He can hit shots from deep, make the right reads, and has an edge that belies his age. Think Tyler Ulis with more range.
Karter Knox – SF (6’6”)
The younger brother of Kevin Knox, Karter brings high-level athleticism and a silky shooting stroke. He chose to honor his brother’s legacy by picking Kentucky over Louisville and Miami. A future star in the making.
Amari Williams – PF (6’9”)
Williams is a bouncy forward who can run the floor, crash the glass, and block shots. A classic “energy guy” who could become a game-changer with development under Pope’s staff.
Wildcards That Could Flip the Season
Every successful team needs X-factors, and Kentucky has a few.
Zvonimir Ivišić – Sophomore – C (7’2”)
The Croatian unicorn! “Big Z” became a fan favorite late last year with his dazzling passes and confident shooting. Still a bit raw defensively, but he’s a matchup nightmare. Don’t be surprised if he starts by January.
Adou Thiero – Junior – G/F (6’6”)
A jack-of-all-trades, Thiero can guard five positions and often initiates the break. His athleticism, wingspan, and work ethic make him indispensable, especially in gritty SEC matchups.
Projected Starting Five
Based on current depth, here’s the likely starting five heading into November:
- PG – Reed Sheppard
- SG – Otega Oweh
- SF – Justin Edwards
- PF – Aaron Bradshaw
- C – Isaiah Miranda
With Ivišić, Hart, Madsen, Carroll, and Thiero off the bench, this roster runs ten deep—and every player brings a unique skill set.
Strengths of the 2025–26 Wildcats
1. Defense Wins Championships
This is Pope’s kind of team—long, tough, and connected on defense. Oweh, Sheppard, Thiero, and Bradshaw form a perimeter-defense core that can switch everything and create turnovers.
2. Shooting Across the Board
Gone are the days when Kentucky struggled to hit open threes. This team features at least six players who can shoot 37%+ from deep, including Hart, Madsen, Knox, Carroll, Sheppard, and Perry.
3. Chemistry
Perhaps the most underrated factor: this group likes each other. Between returning leaders and portal veterans, there’s mutual respect, unselfishness, and clarity of roles.
Areas of Concern
1. Point Guard Depth
If Sheppard goes down, Perry and Madsen must step up quickly. Perry is still a freshman, and while Madsen is solid, he hasn’t been a full-time starter at this level.
2. Interior Toughness
Bradshaw and Miranda are skilled, but can they bang down low against SEC brutes? Pope may lean on Thiero and Carroll in smaller lineups to counter physical teams like Arkansas or Tennessee.
️ Key Games to Circle
- Dec. 7 vs. Duke (Champions Classic in Chicago): A clash of bluebloods and an early litmus test for Pope’s squad.
- Jan. 11 @ Tennessee: Rick Barnes always has Kentucky’s number. This year’s trip to Knoxville will be a war.
- Feb. 15 vs. Alabama: Nate Oats vs. Pope. Offense vs. defense. Get your popcorn.
- March 8 @ Arkansas: Regular season finale in one of the rowdiest arenas in the country. Could decide the SEC crown.
Final Thoughts: Can They Win It All?
Big Blue Nation has reason to dream again. With one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the country, a modern coach who knows how to win in March, and a schedule built for battle-testing, Kentucky is poised for a return to national prominence.
Mark Pope’s second year feels different. He’s not just assembling talent—he’s building a team. And if that team stays healthy, connected, and hungry, there’s no ceiling.
