Kentucky Basketball Faces Uncertain Finish to 2025-26 Season

Wildcats look to overcome injuries and find new leaders to make NCAA Tournament run

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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With only seven regular-season games left in the 2025-26 season, the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team is facing a number of questions as they try to build momentum heading into the postseason. Key players Jayden Quaintance and Kam Williams have been sidelined with injuries, forcing other players like Collin Chandler, Andrija Jelavic, and Jasper Johnson to step up. Head coach Mark Pope is hopeful that Quaintance and Williams can return at some point, but their status remains uncertain. The Wildcats have played well of late, but it's unclear how far they can go in the NCAA Tournament with their current roster.

Why it matters

Kentucky is one of the most storied college basketball programs, and their fans have high expectations every season. After a shaky start, the Wildcats have turned things around, but injuries to key players have created uncertainty about their postseason potential. How the team responds to these challenges could determine whether they make a deep tournament run or fall short of their goals.

The details

Jayden Quaintance and Kam Williams have both been out of the lineup for an extended period due to injuries. Quaintance is dealing with a swollen knee from a previous ACL surgery, while Williams underwent surgery to repair a broken foot. Coach Mark Pope has not ruled out a potential return for either player later in the season, but their status remains unclear. In their absence, players like Collin Chandler, Andrija Jelavic, and Jasper Johnson will need to step up and provide more production for the Wildcats to reach their full potential.

  • The 2025-26 Kentucky basketball season has only seven regular-season games remaining.
  • Jayden Quaintance has been out with a knee injury since early in the season.
  • Kam Williams had surgery to repair a broken foot and has been sidelined for several weeks.

The players

Jayden Quaintance

A Kentucky player who has been out with a knee injury after previous ACL surgery.

Kam Williams

A Kentucky player who underwent surgery to repair a broken foot and has been sidelined for several weeks.

Collin Chandler

A Kentucky player who has stepped up in the absence of Quaintance and Williams.

Andrija Jelavic

A Kentucky player with elite offensive potential who could help the team down the stretch.

Jasper Johnson

A Kentucky player with elite offensive potential who could help the team down the stretch.

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What they’re saying

“It would be interesting to see how adding these players back into the flow would go, knowing how well the Wildcats are playing.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky Head Coach (SI.com)

“For a team to make a run, sometimes a player needs to step up late in the year, and one of these two could be the answer.”

— Author (SI.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Kentucky team has shown resilience in overcoming early-season struggles, but the status of injured players Quaintance and Williams will be crucial in determining how far they can go in the NCAA Tournament. Other role players stepping up down the stretch will also be key to the Wildcats' postseason success.