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Kentucky Star Embraces NIL Era, Returns for Senior Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 1:20 PM ET

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has announced his return for his senior season after exploring the NBA Draft process. Following a breakout junior campaign in which he led the Wildcats in scoring (16.2 PPG), rebounds (4.7), assists (1.7), and steals (1.6),

Oweh is projected to be one of the top guards in the nation. A first-team All-SEC honoree, Oweh is expected to play a key leadership role under second-year head coach Mark Pope as Kentucky looks to build on last season’s Sweet 16 run.

During summer workouts, Oweh addressed the recent House settlement and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) developments, expressing a straightforward perspective: “They’re paying us…that’s good for me.”

With a current NIL valuation of $385K, Oweh appears well-positioned in the new era of college athletics. He dismissed concerns about NIL impacting team chemistry, noting that most current players, including himself, entered college after NIL rules changed.

"That's what I'm used to, really. I'm a senior now, so the guys after me it's going to be the same with them,” stated Oweh. “It hasn't really changed anything for me."

Oweh began his collegiate career at Oklahoma, playing in 60 games before transferring to Kentucky, where he has thrived. As he gears up for a highly anticipated senior season, Oweh will be central to Kentucky’s push for a deeper NCAA Tournament run in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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