Trent Noah Returning to Kentucky for Sophomore Season

After navigating an up-and-down freshman campaign, Noah now has a full offseason to prepare for a more prominent role in Mark Pope’s rotation.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound wing played in 24 games during the 2024-25 season, averaging 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds over 11.1 minutes per contest. He shot an efficient 45.1 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, flashing the perimeter scoring and toughness that made him a high school legend across the Bluegrass State.

Noah came to Kentucky with a strong basketball pedigree. He wrapped up a storied prep career at Harlan County High School with 3,707 career points — the fifth-most in Kentucky high school history. Initially committed to South Carolina as a three-star recruit, Noah flipped to Kentucky shortly after Pope was hired to lead the Wildcats last spring.

As a freshman, Noah was waiting his time due to him being behind a veteran-heavy roster. But as injuries and roster changes hit late in the season, he began to carve out more consistent minutes.

One of his brightest moments came in Kentucky’s regular-season series against Tennessee. On the road in Knoxville, he contributed five points and a rebound, then followed that up with 11 points, two rebounds, and an assist in the home rematch at Rupp Arena.

In the SEC Tournament against Oklahoma, Noah gave the Wildcats six rebounds and four points off the bench, showing his willingness to do the dirty work in big moments.

His return gives Kentucky yet another piece of continuity heading into Year 2 of the Pope era. He joins sophomore guard Collin Chandler and junior center Brandon Garrison as confirmed returnees from last year’s team, while senior guard Otega Oweh has entered the NBA Draft process but is maintaining his college eligibility.

With a strong frame, reliable shooting touch, and a deep-rooted connection to the state, Trent Noah’s return is a win for both the program and Big Blue Nation. He’ll look to take another step forward in year two — and continue chasing championship No. 9.