Just how high Kentucky’s ceiling for the 2025-26 season can reach depends in large part on Otega Oweh‘s NBA Draft decision. If he returns to the Wildcats for another run — as is still expected, although not a lock — the Big Blue Nation can truly begin to dream about what the future might hold this fall.

After an All-SEC season as a junior at Kentucky in 2024-25, Oweh is testing the professional waters. Although he’s not currently projected as one of the 59 picks in next month’s draft, the 6-foot-5 guard impressed at the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages earlier this week in Chicago. Will it be enough to boost his stock and earn the first-round guarantee he’s looking for? That’s yet to be seen.

Oweh still has a handful of post-Combine workouts scheduled with NBA teams beginning next week. He has until May 28 to either stay in the draft or pull his name from the pool of prospects. That’s potentially another 10 days of waiting for the BBN.

But if Oweh ultimately does return, he’s going to receive plenty of love as a preseason All-American candidate. The former Oklahoma Sooner was excellent in his first season at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats in scoring at 16.2 points per outing while chipping in 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals for good measure. He shot 49.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep on his way to making an All-SEC Second Team.

There is some improvement needed within his game, but you won’t find many better college basketball players in 2025-26 than Oweh.

“We’ll see what happens with Otega,” Kentucky head coach Mark Pope recently said on The Sideline with Andy Katz. “He is knocking on the door of this draft, and so we’re cheering for him like crazy. And if he decides to come back, clearly he’d probably come back and be the presumptive SEC Player of the Year.“

After a historically good run last season, the Southeastern Conference as a whole is expected to take a step back in 2025-26. There will still be plenty of deep and talented rosters, but likely not enough to see another 14 schools crack the NCAA Tournament. That opens up a larger window of opportunity for someone like Oweh, who would immediately be considered one of the best players in the SEC — and the country — if/when he announces his return to Lexington.

Led by a likely Preseason SEC Player of the Year candidate in Oweh, Kentucky would be among the best teams in the nation in 2025-26 if Pope can get his star back for one more run.

The Grit and Grind of Professional Football: Dan Skipper’s Perspective

In the world of professional football, few figures cast a shadow as imposing as Dan Skipper. Standing tall at 6-foot-10, Skipper’s presence on the field is as commanding as his opinions off it. A key figure in the Detroit Lions during the Dan Campbell era, Skipper, alongside Taylor Decker, has captured the hearts of fans, especially following a contentious game against Dallas in 2023. But beyond the gridiron battles, Skipper has voiced his concerns on several pressing issues affecting the sport he loves.

The Toll of the Game

Football, for all its glory, is a sport that demands a significant toll from those who play it. Skipper, in a candid discussion, shed light on the physical and mental wear and tear athletes endure. Transitioning from a college schedule of 12 games with two bye weeks to a professional regimen that can include up to 24 games in a year, the term “a lot of football” seems like an understatement. This relentless schedule, according to Skipper, is a testament to the resilience and dedication of football players, who push their limits for the love of the game.

Challenges of International Play

One of the more contentious issues Skipper addresses is the NFL’s international games. The concept, while exciting for global fans, presents a myriad of logistical nightmares for the players involved. Skipper’s frustration is palpable as he describes the ordeal of traveling to another country mid-season. The impact on athletes’ bodies, the disruption of their routines, and the overall strain of international travel are points of contention for Skipper. His critique is a call for a reevaluation of the process, ensuring that the expansion of the game’s global footprint does not come at the expense of player welfare.

The NIL Dilemma in College Football

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation in college sports has been revolutionary, yet Skipper views it with a critical eye. The financial opportunities it presents to college athletes are undeniable, but Skipper raises concerns about its long-term implications. He recounts stories of players earning significant sums through NIL deals, only to face financial and professional challenges upon transitioning to the NFL. This shift, according to Skipper, risks overshadowing the developmental and educational aspects of college sports, potentially distorting young athletes’ priorities.

A Love for the Game or the Game’s Rewards?

At the heart of Skipper’s reflections is a fundamental question: What drives individuals to play football? From his early days of playing for the sheer thrill of competition to his aspirations of reaching the NFL, Skipper’s journey is a narrative of passion and ambition. However, he worries that the allure of financial gains, amplified by NIL deals, might dilute the purity of this motivation. The essence of playing for love of the game, according to Skipper, is what should remain paramount, guiding young athletes as they navigate their careers.

Reflecting on the Future

Dan Skipper’s insights into the challenges facing football today are a sobering reminder of the complexities of modern sports. From the physical demands of the game to the financial temptations off the field, athletes navigate a labyrinth of challenges. Skipper’s hope is for a future where the integrity and love for football remain at the forefront, guiding the next generation of players. As the sport continues to evolve, balancing tradition with innovation, the voices of experienced players like Skipper will be crucial in shaping its trajectory, ensuring that football remains a game celebrated not just for its spectacle but for the spirit and passion that define it.

Good morning, folks! And a Happy Sunday to all of you, our dear readers. Did you wake up wondering about the latest recruiting efforts from Mark Pope and the Kentucky men’s basketball staff? Hey, me too! You couldn’t have picked a better time to be curious. Now that the love period is open, KSR’s Jack Pilgrim and Jacob Polacheck have been roaming the gyms of Memphis over the last few days to stalk follow the UK coaches and see who they’re tracking on the Nike EYBL circuit.

Our good friends Jack and Jacob will be back in the gym today as well to watch even more of Kentucky’s top recruits and gather even more need-to-know intel. It’s a good time to be a KSBoard member. Dive into the links below to read up on a handful of the Wildcats’ favorite prospects and their thoughts on UK. After that, we’ll touch on the rest of this morning’s top news and notes.

Join KSR Plus! With a KSR Plus membership, you get access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.

Kentucky baseball swept, earns 13-seed in SECT

Following its 5-3 loss to No. 9 Vanderbilt in Saturday’s series finale, Kentucky will officially be the No. 13 seed in the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament with a 13-17 conference record. It is the lowest SEC Tournament seed earned in the Nick Mingione era. UK had an opportunity to earn a more favorable seed over the last few days in Nashville, but lost all three games to Vandy despite leading every one by two or more runs.

The ‘Cats will face No. 12 seed Oklahoma in the second game on Tuesday, which will likely begin around 2:30 p.m. ET. Kentucky swept the then-No. 17-ranked Sooners last weekend in Lexington. This year’s Tournament will feature all 16 SEC teams for the first time ever, and every game will be single-elimination.

Reed Sheppard helps cleanup effort in Laurel County

Tornadoes tore through southern Kentucky earlier this week, leaving another part of the state looking for as many extra hands as possible. One of the areas hit hardest was Laurel County, home of former Kentucky player Reed Sheppard, who was quick to arrive on the scene and pitch in on the early recovery efforts.

At least 27 people have died, with others in critical condition, as Laurel and Pulaski counties sift through the rubble. Sheppard was among the hundreds of people who got right to work in trying to build their community back up.

Kentucky softball avoids NCAAT elimination

After dropping the NCAA Tournament opener to Northwestern on Friday, Kentucky softball bounced back in impressive fashion to stave off elimination. The Wildcats beat USC Upstate 11-0 in six innings and got their revenge on Northwestern 8-3 to sweep Saturday’s schedule. The offense finally woke up after going back-to-back postseason games without putting up a single run.

UK has now locked up a spot in the Clemson Regional Final with a shot at the NCAA Super Regionals on the line. Kentucky will need to beat No. 11 Clemson twice today to advance. Game one begins at 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ at McWhorter Stadium.

We’re going to Game 7, Baby!

If I were going to advise a non-NBA fan to watch one NBA game this season, it would be the one happening this afternoon between a pair of highly talented former Kentucky guards.

We’ve got ourselves a Game 7 in Oklahoma City as the (1) Thunder and (4) Denver Nuggets fight for the final spot in the Conference Finals. This has been about as exciting a series as anyone could have asked for so far. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP frontrunner, has been dueling with Nikola Jokic, the presumed MVP runner-up, and it’s made for some incredibly entertaining hoop.

Joining Gilgeous-Alexander for OKC is another former ‘Cat, Cason Wallace, while Jamal Murray will suit up for Denver on the other end of the floor. All three have been awesome through six games in this series. Let’s see what Game 7 holds. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Best moments from “Show Me Your Tents”

From interesting mustaches to Colonel Stoops statues, we’ve got a recap video of all the most memorable props Drew Franklin saw at Kentucky football tailgates over the last three seasons.

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