The coach’s challenge has officially arrived in college basketball - and Kentucky’s making it count.
The NCAA introduced the coach’s challenge for the 2025-26 season, aligning with a rule that’s been part of the NBA for years. The concept is straightforward: coaches can challenge certain calls - like out-of-bounds decisions, goaltending, and restricted arc violations - as long as they have a timeout in their pocket.
If the challenge is successful, the timeout is preserved. If not, it’s gone.
Simple in theory, but the execution? That’s where things get interesting.
So far, Kentucky has proven to be one of the more savvy teams in the country when it comes to using the new rule. According to CBB Analytics, the Wildcats have gone 5-for-6 on coach’s challenges this season - good for an 83% success rate. That’s not just efficient; it’s strategic execution under pressure.
Let’s break down where those challenges have come into play:
- Nov. 11 at Louisville: The lone miss. Kentucky went 0-for-1.
- Nov. 14 vs. Eastern Illinois: 1-for-1.
- **Dec. 20 vs. St.
John’s**: 1-for-1.
- Jan. 17 at Tennessee: 2-for-2.
- Jan. 31 at Arkansas: 1-for-1.
That Jan. 17 game against Tennessee? That’s where the challenge rule really flexed its muscle.
Down in Knoxville, Kentucky was clawing its way back in the second half when a key goaltending call on Brandon Garrison was reversed, giving the Wildcats two points. Minutes later, another successful challenge flipped an out-of-bounds call, and Denzel Aberdeen capitalized with a bucket that trimmed Tennessee’s lead to just four with under nine minutes to play.
Two challenges, two momentum swings, and suddenly Kentucky was right back in the fight.
Same story against Arkansas. Midway through the first half, UK was up by four when a questionable out-of-bounds call went Arkansas’ way.
Pope threw the challenge flag - metaphorically - and won. On the ensuing possession, Andrija Jelavić drilled a three.
That’s a five-point swing in a tight game, all because the coaching staff trusted their eyes - and their video coordinator.
That video coordinator is Matt Santoro, and he’s become a low-key MVP in this whole process. Seated just behind head coach Mark Pope on the bench, Santoro is the man with the iPad and the quick trigger.
He’s got maybe 10 seconds - tops - to rewatch the play, make a call, and get the word to Pope before the refs put the ball back in play. It’s high-pressure, high-stakes decision-making in real time, and Santoro’s been nails.
“I think Matt Santoro has done an unbelievable job. And he’s feeling a lot of pressure,” Pope said.
“Now every single person in Rupp can feel the moment where there’s a potential challenge. I think 20,000 - I guess we all have two - so 40,000 eyes are trained right on Matt Santoro, and I actually love the moment for him.
It’s pretty fun.”
That mix of trust, preparation, and instinct is what makes Kentucky’s use of the challenge so effective. It’s not just about having the tool - it’s about knowing when to use it.
With only two challenges allowed per game, and the clock constantly ticking, there’s no room for hesitation. The score, the moment, and the odds of success all factor into the decision.
Kentucky’s staff has been sharp in picking their spots - and the results speak for themselves.
Coach Pope is clearly a fan of the rule. “It’s a fun part of the game.
I actually like it,” he said. “It’s something you know in your pocket, and I think it’s really effective.
I think it was a genius move by the Rules Committee.”
He’s not wrong. The challenge system adds a layer of accountability and strategy that’s long overdue in college hoops.
It takes some pressure off the officials and puts more responsibility in the hands of coaches - where it belongs. Sure, the scope of what can be challenged is still limited, but Pope wouldn’t mind seeing that expanded in the future.
For now, though, Kentucky’s just playing the game in front of them - and playing it well. Whether it’s flipping a call at a crucial moment or trusting a video coordinator with an iPad and a gut feeling, the Wildcats are treating the coach’s challenge not as a gimmick, but as a real weapon.
And with the way they’re executing, it’s one more reason why this Kentucky team is one to keep an eye on as the season heats up.