Kentucky's Trent Noah to Return for 2026-27 Season

Harlan County native will provide depth for Wildcats after losing Collin Chandler to BYU.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes in the team's colors of blue and white.Kentucky's Trent Noah will return to the Wildcats' lineup next season, providing depth and experience to the team's frontcourt.Lexington Today

Kentucky basketball has received a boost with the announcement that Trent Noah, a Harlan County native, will return to the Wildcats for the 2026-27 season. Noah, who appeared in 27 games last season and averaged 3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, was a key contributor in several wins, including a 16-point performance against Tennessee Tech.

Why it matters

Noah's return provides important depth for Kentucky after the team lost Collin Chandler to BYU. As a local product, Noah's continued presence on the roster helps maintain the Wildcats' connection to the state and its basketball talent.

The details

Noah, a sophomore, played a limited role last season but made the most of his opportunities, including a strong performance in Kentucky's road win against Arkansas. His decision to return for his junior year gives the Wildcats additional experience and production off the bench as they look to build on their success from the previous season.

  • Noah appeared in 27 games for Kentucky during the 2025-26 season.
  • He announced his intention to return for the 2026-27 season on April 12, 2026.

The players

Trent Noah

A sophomore forward from Harlan County, Kentucky, who averaged 3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game for the Wildcats last season.

Collin Chandler

A former Kentucky player who recently transferred to BYU, leaving a void in the Wildcats' roster that Noah's return helps to fill.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Trent has been a valuable member of our team, and we're excited to have him back for another season. His experience and contributions off the bench will be crucial as we look to build on our success from last year.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats

What’s next

Noah's return, along with the addition of several new recruits, will be key as Kentucky looks to compete for a conference title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Kentucky's ability to retain local talent like Trent Noah is a testament to the program's continued success and appeal to in-state players. Noah's decision to return provides the Wildcats with valuable depth and experience as they aim to build on their recent achievements.