Kentucky may be sitting at No. 23 in the AP and Coaches Polls, but Jay Bilas sees a team with a little more juice than that.
In his annual early-season rankings for “The Bilas Index,” the ESPN analyst placed the Wildcats at No. 19 nationally and sixth in the SEC, a step up from the preseason expectations that have them projected to finish seventh in the league. That’s still not the kind of spot Kentucky fans want to see, but it does show Bilas thinks Mark Pope’s group has more in the tank than the polls suggest.
Pope, for his part, has brushed off the preseason noise and made it clear the only opinions that really matter are inside the locker room. And while Kentucky had some “slippage” against Manhattan in the opener, there were also stretches that hinted at what this roster can become.
The real chance to shift the conversation comes quickly. James Madison on Friday is one test, but the bigger measuring stick is Tuesday against Tyran Stokes and Kansas. A strong showing there would do plenty to push the offseason skepticism further out of view.
Bilas pointed to Kentucky’s health and transfer haul as the biggest reasons for optimism. He wrote that Pope’s first two teams at Kentucky have won a combined 46 games, noting that only one more than John Calipari’s last two teams. He also said those totals deserve more appreciation at most schools, even if Kentucky’s standard is obviously much higher.
He added that injuries played a major role in holding the Wildcats back, and said that if Kentucky stays healthy, Pope should be in line for “a terrific season in 2027,” largely because of an “excellent transfer class.”
Bilas singled out several newcomers. Former Iowa State standout Milan Momcilovic, he wrote, is “the best shooter in the country (48.7% on 3-pointers last season),” and Kentucky should give him more chances to let it fly.
Washington transfer Zoom Diallo was described as a scoring point guard who can “really pass and get into the lane,” while Furman transfer Alex Wilkins was labeled a combo guard who can work on or off the ball. Bilas also said returning big man Malachi Moreno should take a major step forward as an inside centerpiece.
The bottom line, according to Bilas, is simple: “Kentucky will be a much better shooting team this season - the key will be fitting all of the new players together and staying healthy in the process.”
His top 25 had Duke at No. 1, followed by Florida, Illinois, Arizona, UConn, Houston, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, Michigan State, St. John’s, Iowa State, Kansas, Miami (FL), Louisville, Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, UCLA, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Gonzaga, BYU and Ohio State.
Kentucky is still a long way from the place it wants to be, but Bilas’ ranking at least nudges the Wildcats a little closer to the conversation they want to force.
In Other News...
Kentucky Heads Into Tennessee With One Big Availability Concern
The SEC Availability Report for Kentuckys trip to Tennessee has been updated, and it gives the Wildcats a clearer picture of who will and wont be available heading into a rivalry game that already carries plenty of weight. Kentucky did get one player moved up to probable, which is at least a small sign of progress as the team continues to work through a list of long-term injuries that have thinned the roster.
Tennessees report brings its own set of concerns, with multiple long-term injuries and several starters already ruled out for the season. For Kentucky, the bigger question is how much the latest availability shift changes the rotation and whether the Wildcats can absorb the absences well enough to stay competitive in a game where depth and health may matter as much as anything else. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Gets One More Clue About Mark Pope Before Bigger Tests
Preston Spradlins return to Lexington adds a little extra texture to a game Kentucky is expected to handle comfortably. The former Wildcats assistant now leads James Madison, a program that has established itself as one of the stronger teams in the Sun Belt, so this is not just a nostalgia visit for an old staff hand. It is also another early look at how Mark Popes group is settling in before the schedule gets tougher.
Pope has already made one notable roster decision by ending recruiting efforts with two five-star prospects after adding a new center, a sign the front office is focused on the pieces already in place. For Kentucky, the bigger picture is less about one December-like matchup and more about how the coach balances evaluation, development and the realities of a roster that may be largely set. Games like this can still offer a useful read, even if the betting line suggests the Wildcats should be in control. [Read more 🡒]
Lance Heard Is Giving Kentucky Fans One More Reason To Watch Tennessee
Lance Heard has given Kentucky fans a fresh reason to keep an eye on Tennessee, even with the rivalry game still ahead. The Wildcats offensive lineman was named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award and is also on the Outland Trophy watch list, recognition that reflects just how steady he has been this season.
Heard has logged 461 snaps and drawn praise for both his performance and the way he has carried himself inside the program. Coach Will Stein has singled out Heards leadership and overall impact heading into Kentuckys matchup with Tennessee, adding another layer to a game that already carries plenty of weight for the Wildcats. [Read more 🡒]