The 2026-27 season is a big one for Kentucky basketball. After a couple of disappointing years under Mark Pope, they are looking to be a true contender in year three. Not everyone is a believer just yet, but one popular analytics site thinks they're a top 20 team.
Evan Miya is a respected site among college basketball enthusiasts. They use a number of data points to rank the teams, and the Wildcats come in at No. 18 in his preview of the top 30 this week.
Among SEC teams, Miya ranks Kentucky sixth. The Florida Gators are the overall No. 1 team, while the Alabama Crimson Tide is also in the top ten. Texas, Tennessee, and LSU also come in before Kentucky. Other notable teams are the Duke Blue Devils at No. 2, Louisville at No. 11, and Arkansas at No. 19.
Obviously, with no actual games having been played yet, this is based on past play, and will change once the season begins and number become available. Still, it gives fans a look at how their roster stacks up from an analytic standpoint.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Popular analytics site places Kentucky in top 20
