Kentucky basketball schedule 2025–2026: Up-to-date information on the UK’s second team under Mark Pope

The University of Kentucky basketball program, with its storied history and long-standing tradition of success, is under new leadership as it heads into the 2025–26 season. Coach Mark Pope, who took over as head coach in 2024, is tasked with restoring the Wildcats to the top of the college basketball world. While Kentucky has always been a recruiting powerhouse, Pope’s challenge is to build a team capable of competing for national championships while adjusting to the evolving landscape of college basketball—especially with the advent of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and an increasingly competitive recruiting environment.

The 2025–26 roster is shaping up to be a blend of returning talent, exciting new recruits, and critical transfer portal additions. The key for Kentucky, and for Pope, will be to develop chemistry between these players and ensure they work cohesively as a team. In this article, we will dive deep into the latest updates regarding the Wildcats’ roster for the 2025–26 season, looking at the players, coaching staff, recruitment strategy, and the role of the transfer portal in building the next Kentucky basketball dynasty.

The Impact of Coach Mark Pope

Mark Pope’s arrival at Kentucky has been met with both excitement and curiosity. A former head coach at BYU, Pope took the Cougars to multiple NCAA tournaments and garnered a reputation for his ability to develop talent and win at a high level. At Kentucky, Pope inherits a program that, while still elite, has seen a slight dip in national championships in recent years. John Calipari’s “one-and-done” era may have reached its peak, and Pope’s task will be to adapt Kentucky’s recruiting strategy to the new realities of the NCAA while continuing to recruit top-tier talent.

One of Pope’s first moves was assembling a talented staff, which includes familiar faces from his previous teams, such as assistant coaches with experience in both college basketball and the NBA. The coaching staff’s blend of development and strategy will be crucial for guiding the Wildcats back to national prominence.

Key Departures and Returning Players

As we look ahead to the 2025–26 season, one of the most important aspects of Kentucky’s roster is the number of players who will return from the previous year, as well as those who have chosen to leave. The departures from Kentucky’s program after the 2024–25 season have left some big shoes to fill, but they also provide new opportunities for younger players to step up.

Departures

• Ansley Almonor: A valuable senior player who provided both leadership and depth.
• Koby Brea: A solid contributor in the backcourt who decided to pursue other opportunities.
• Lamont Butler: The defensive specialist and reliable guard whose departure opens up space for new talent.
• Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, and Amari Williams: Key contributors for Kentucky during the 2024–25 season, but all have moved on to explore other options or are no longer part of the team due to graduation or transfer.

Returners

While Kentucky faces these departures, several players will return to anchor the Wildcats’ roster. The most notable returners include:

• Cason Wallace: The dynamic point guard who has shown flashes of brilliance in his freshman year. Wallace has the potential to be one of the top point guards in the nation and will likely be a focal point of Kentucky’s offense.
• Chris Livingston: A talented forward who was a key contributor during the 2024–25 season. Livingston is expected to take on a larger role this season, especially as the team looks to replace lost offensive production.
• Jacob Toppin: A versatile forward with a well-rounded game, Toppin’s return is a major boon for Kentucky, as he can play both inside and outside, adding versatility to the roster.
• Oscar Tshiebwe: The reigning National Player of the Year, Tshiebwe’s return would be a game-changer for Kentucky. His dominant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, provides a strong foundation for the Wildcats.

These returners, along with a few key role players, give Coach Pope a solid base to build upon. The challenge will be to integrate these returning players with the new recruits and transfers, creating a seamless system that can compete at the highest level.

The Incoming Freshmen: A New Wave of Talent

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025–26 Kentucky roster is the influx of talent from the high school ranks. Coach Pope has secured commitments from several high-profile recruits who will join the Wildcats for the 2025–26 season. These incoming freshmen bring both skill and potential to the table and will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success.

• Jasper Johnson: A highly touted shooting guard from Lexington, Kentucky, Johnson is expected to provide immediate scoring ability and leadership. His versatility as a shooter and defender makes him a perfect fit for the Wildcats’ system. Johnson’s local ties to Kentucky also add a layer of excitement to his recruitment, as he will be playing for his home-state school.
• Malachi Moreno: A forward from Georgetown, Kentucky, Moreno brings a mix of athleticism and shooting ability. He is a versatile forward who can play both inside and outside, offering the Wildcats a great deal of flexibility in their lineup. His skill set will be crucial as Kentucky looks to bolster its frontcourt.
• Acaden Lewis: A highly ranked guard from Washington, D.C., Lewis is known for his scoring ability and basketball IQ. He has the potential to contribute immediately, especially in a backcourt that could use more offensive firepower. Lewis’s ability to score in a variety of ways will make him a dangerous weapon for Kentucky.

These freshmen are joining a roster that already boasts significant talent. The real question is how quickly they can adjust to the speed and intensity of college basketball and contribute at a high level. In recent years, Kentucky has been able to develop young players quickly, and Pope’s ability to do so will be key to the Wildcats’ success.

Transfer Portal Acquisitions: Filling the Gaps

Perhaps the most important tool for Coach Pope in his quest to build a championship-caliber team is the transfer portal. The transfer portal has become a game-changer in college basketball, allowing teams to supplement their rosters with experienced players who can contribute immediately. Pope has already made moves in the portal, securing some key additions for the 2025–26 season.

• Kam Williams: A 6’8″ wing from Tulane, Williams is known for his shooting and defensive ability. During his freshman season, he made 63 three-pointers at a 41.2% clip, giving the Wildcats a much-needed floor spacer. Williams’s size and skill set allow him to contribute in multiple areas, and he will be a key piece for Kentucky in both offense and defense.
• Alvaro Folgueiras: A 6’9″ forward from Robert Morris University, Folgueiras is a skilled scorer who averaged 14.1 points and 9 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a valuable addition to Kentucky’s frontcourt. Folgueiras adds depth and versatility to a team that will need to replace the production left by departing players.
• Yaxel Lendeborg: A standout at UAB, Lendeborg is a versatile forward who averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His all-around game will be a welcome addition to the Wildcats, who can use his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Lendeborg’s potential to impact every facet of the game makes him one of the most exciting transfers for Kentucky.

These transfers will be expected to make an immediate impact, providing experience, leadership, and depth to a roster that will rely heavily on a mix of freshmen and returning players. If these transfers can adjust quickly to the Kentucky system, they could be the difference-makers that push the Wildcats back into contention for a national championship.

Coach Pope’s Approach: Building Chemistry and Developing a Winning Culture

One of the keys to Coach Pope’s success will be his ability to blend the different personalities and skill sets of his players into a cohesive team. Kentucky has always been a team with high expectations, and the pressure to win is ever-present. Pope’s leadership will be crucial in helping the Wildcats navigate these pressures while developing a culture of accountability, hard work, and teamwork.

In terms of style of play, Pope has emphasized a balanced offensive attack that prioritizes both transition play and half-court execution. Defensively, he will look to instill a strong team defense that pressures the ball and forces turnovers, while also controlling the boards. This defensive mindset will complement Kentucky’s offensive firepower, and if Pope can get his players to buy into this system, the Wildcats will be a formidable force in college basketball.