Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh may have a slim but still possible chance of playing a fifth year of college basketball, given the recent development of discussions by the governing body of the NCAA.
On Monday, reports surfaced that the higher-ups of the NCAA may be exploring a new rule on eligibility that would not automatically disallow players like Oweh, who are in their fourth year, from playing a fifth season.
In a post by @exclusivecbb on Instagram, it is reported that Oweh is considering returning to coach Mark Pope‘s team, given the ongoing progression of the NCAA eligibility rule. If the new rule is approved, players like Oweh, who are from the high school class of 2022, could realistically still attain a fifth year of playing collegiate hoops.
“Could Otega Oweh receive a fifth year of eligibility and return to Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball next season? 👀 The NCAA is currently considering a new eligibility rule, but it wouldn’t be applied retroactively. That means it wouldn’t automatically block players like Oweh from coming back. If the rule passes, athletes from the 2022 high school class could still have a path to a fifth year. Thoughts💭⬇️ #cbb #explore #kentucky #ncaa #collegebasketball,” @exclusivecbb on Instagram captioned with emojis.
For now, it is presumed that Oweh will stay ready whether or not he can return to college basketball come the 2026-27 campaign, with the rest of the Kentucky-based program retooling. In the recently concluded 2025-26 season, the Wildcats finished with an overall record of 22-14 (10-8 SEC) and made it all the way to the second round of this year’s national tournament.
The 5-In-5 NCAA Rule Will Allow Other Incoming Seniors To Extend Their College Eligibility
In an article by Kai McClelland that is published on KY Insider, it was mentioned that the said “5-in-5” rule may allow other seniors, apart from Otega Oweh, to return in the 2026-27 season.
The list includes the likes of Florida Gators standout Xavian Lee and Missouri Tigers veteran Mark Mitchell to return to their respective squads.
“If you’re not aware of what the current rule entails, college athletes are given five years to complete four years of eligibility. If the ‘5-in-5’ rule is put into play, student athletes will be granted five years to participate in five seasons of college athletics, starting either after their graduation from high school or on their 19th birthday, whichever comes first,” McClelland wrote.
Also Read: ‘Most Sensible Thing To Do’ — Hoops Analyst Says Otega Oweh NBA Uncertainty Is No Match for Kentucky’s NIL Bag
Read More: Mark Pope’s Addition of Otega Oweh Leaves Question Marks Over Top Kentucky Guard from Last Season
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