Breaking: ‘Another Year in Lexington? Yesss!’ — Otega Oweh’s Leaked Social Media Activity Strongly Suggests Return to Kentucky
Lexington, KY — May 2, 2025
In the ever-changing world of college basketball, where roster turnover and transfer portal drama dominate headlines, Kentucky fans may have just received a major boost—and it came not from an official announcement, but from a moment of unfiltered joy on social media.
Otega Oweh, the athletic and explosive wing who transferred to Kentucky last season and quickly became a fan favorite, appears to have unofficially confirmed his return to Lexington for the 2025–26 season. In a now-deleted reply on a friend’s Instagram Live session late Wednesday night, Oweh was heard enthusiastically shouting, “Another year in Lexington? Yesss!” as he laughed and celebrated with teammates off-camera.
The moment, captured by several viewers and shared across social media platforms, has set Big Blue Nation ablaze with speculation and excitement. Though the comment was not intended as an official statement, many are taking it as a near-confirmation that Oweh will forego the NBA Draft—for now—and run it back with Mark Pope and the Wildcats.
“It’s not a press release, but we’ll take it,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a clip of Oweh’s comment. “Get ready for liftoff—Oweh’s coming back.”
The 6-foot-5 junior averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game last season, showcasing elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and an improved shooting touch. His late-season heroics, including a game-saving steal and dunk in the SEC quarterfinals, made him one of Kentucky’s most vital pieces during their NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight.
Since the end of the season, speculation has swirled around whether Oweh would test the NBA waters or return for another year to develop his game under Pope’s fast-paced, positionless system. Most draft analysts projected him as a borderline second-round pick, with many scouts urging him to return for another season to polish his ball-handling and decision-making.
Oweh has yet to make an official announcement, and neither the University of Kentucky nor Coach Mark Pope has issued a statement on the matter. But sources close to the program suggest that the comment aligns with what has been discussed internally in recent days.
“Coach Pope has had great conversations with Otega and his family,” said a source familiar with the team’s offseason plans. “They love what’s building in Lexington and believe another year here could vault him into first-round territory next season.”
Mark Pope, who took over the program after John Calipari’s departure last year, has made it a priority to retain and develop key pieces of the roster rather than constantly rebuilding through transfers. If Oweh returns, he would form a formidable core alongside rising sophomore guard Trey Mitchell and senior forward Adou Thiero—both of whom have already confirmed their return.
Oweh’s return would also have a major impact on Kentucky’s recruiting efforts. With several top high school prospects and transfer targets visiting in the coming weeks, the presence of a returning star with NBA potential strengthens the program’s narrative of growth, stability, and national contention.
Fans, meanwhile, are already planning their welcome-back celebrations. The comment has been turned into memes, T-shirts, and TikTok remixes within hours, as the phrase “Yesss!” trends among Wildcats faithful.
“Let’s make it official,” wrote another fan online. “Give us the graphic, the video, the fireworks—we’re ready!”
Whether Oweh or the program chooses to follow up the viral leak with a formal statement remains to be seen, but for now, it appears Kentucky fans have reason to celebrate.
In the new era of college basketball, where breaking news often breaks from a phone screen, one thing is clear: Otega Oweh’s heart is still in Lexington.
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