Kentucky Women’s Basketball 2025-26 Season Preview And Outlook

Preseason Rankings

Kentucky has received recognition in both major preseason polls: 

• AP Top 25: Tied for No. 24.
• USA Today Coaches Poll: No. 20. 

Season Outlook

Following a strong first season where they started with a 19–2 record last season, the Wildcats will look to build on that momentum with a retooled roster. 

Strengths:

• Dominant frontcourt: The trio of Clara Strack, Teonni Key, and Amelia Hassett returns after leading the nation in blocks last season with 7.0 per game. The three were also prolific rebounders, with all averaging over eight rebounds per game.
• High-impact transfers: To replace veteran guards, Kentucky brought in an experienced trio from the transfer portal:
  • Tonie Morgan (Georgia Tech): A two-time All-ACC selection from Georgia Tech, Morgan is expected to be the starting point guard after averaging 13.7 points and 5.6 assists per game last season
  • Asia Boone (Liberty): The reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year.
  • Josie Gilvin (Western Kentucky): A local product and all-conference performer. A strong candidate for the shooting guard position, bringing experience and defensive ability.
• Elite recruit and returning talent: The Wildcats will benefit from the addition of five-star McDonald’s All-American freshman wing Kaelyn “KK” Carroll and the return of injured Penn transfer Jordan Obi, who missed the 2024–25 season.

Weaknesses:

• Guard turnover: The loss of starting guards Georgia Amoore and Dazia Lawrence to eligibility will test the new transfer guards. While the new talent is impressive, developing chemistry will be a priority early in the season. 

Preseason Player Recognition

• Clara Strack – Preseason All-SEC Second Team by the Media
• Clara Strack – Preseason All-SEC Second Team by the Coaches
• Clara Strack – Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year Watch List
• Clara Strack – Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Preseason Top 20 Watch List
• Teonni Key – Preseason All-SEC Second Team by the Coaches
• Jordan Obi – Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Preseason Top 20 Watch List
• Tonie Morgan – Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Preseason Top 20 Watch List

2025–26 Schedule

 The schedule features tough non-conference matchups and a challenging SEC slate. 

Key non-conference games:

• Nov. 18 vs. Purdue: The Wildcats host the Boilermakers at Memorial Coliseum.
• Nov. 22 at Louisville: An annual in-state rivalry game on the road.
• Nov. 26 vs. Maryland: Part of a multi-team event in Puerto Rico.
• Dec. 3 at Miami: A road test against a strong ACC program. 

Key SEC games:

• Jan. 1 at LSU: Kentucky opens its conference schedule on the road against a formidable opponent.
• Jan. 11 vs. Oklahoma: A matchup against the Sooners, who are new to the SEC.
• Jan. 22 at Tennessee: The Wildcats face a difficult road game against the Lady Vols.
• Feb. 9 at Texas: Another tough road matchup against the new-look Longhorns.
• Mar. 1 vs. South Carolina: Kentucky closes the regular season at home against the national runner-up Gamecocks. 

Kentucky’s Overall Prediction

Kentucky’s blend of experienced returners and an influx of proven talent and recruits gives them one of the most intriguing rosters in the country. The team’s strength in the paint is clear, and the success of the season may hinge on how quickly the new and returning guards mesh on offense. The challenging schedule will test the team’s cohesion early. The Wildcats have the potential, though, to make a second or third weekend run in the NCAA Tournament if they can overcome the initial chemistry challenges. A top-four finish in the SEC is a reasonable goal.

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