Early 2026-27 college basketball rankings roundup is very mixed on Kentucky

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Kentucky Basketball is receiving a wide range of projections in way-too-early 2026-27 Top 25 rankings, reflecting uncertainty after a season of key departures and transfers.

Way-Too-Early College Basketball Rankings​

• Unranked:Jeff Borzello (ESPN), Jacob Davis (Sports Illustrated), Seth Davis (HoopsHQ)
• No. 28:Jon Rothstein (FanDuel) – despite forward Andrija Jelavić entering the transfer portal
• No. 25:James Fletcher III (On3)
• No. 13:Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News)

Roster Outlook​

Projected starting five (before Jelavić’s transfer, though he could still return): G Trent Noah, G Collin Chandler, F Kam Williams, F Andrija Jelavić, C Malachi Moreno
Projected key bench: Brayden Hawthorne, Mason Williams

Roster Status​

• Graduating: Otega Oweh, Walker Horn, Zach Tow
• Transferring: Denzel Aberdeen (graduating), Jasper Johnson, Brandon Garrison, Jaland Lowe, Mo Dioubate, and Andrija Jelavić
• Undecided: Trent Noah, Jayden Quaintance, Kam Williams, Collin Chandler, Brayden Hawthorne, Reece Potter
• College/Testing NBA Draft Waters: Malachi Moreno

Mark Pope’s top priority will be retention, especially keeping 7-foot center Malachi Moreno, who averaged 7.8 points per game and has high breakout potential. Veteran shooting guard Collin Chandler, averaging 9.7 points, will also hopefully anchor the backcourt, though he has not 100% confirmed his return yet.

As the Wildcats navigate departures, transfers, and player development, fans are left watching closely how the roster takes shape and how early projections will adjust leading into the new season.

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