Oweh, Pettiford Return; Kentucky, Auburn Boosted

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh, the team's leading scorer, has announced his return for the 2025-26 season after withdrawing from the NBA draft, citing feedback from NBA teams and a desire to improve his draft stock and pursue a national title. Oweh, who averaged 16.2 points per game and earned All-SEC honors, is joined by several high-profile transfers and recruits, making Kentucky a projected top-10 team and a strong Final Four contender. Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford also withdrew from the NBA draft to return for another collegiate season, aiming to enhance his NBA prospects. These decisions were influenced by the NCAA's draft withdrawal deadline on Wednesday night, which saw multiple prominent players opting to return to college. The returns of Oweh and Pettiford significantly strengthen both Kentucky and Auburn's rosters and elevate their championship ambitions for the upcoming season.