Towering Talent Returns: 6’10” Forward Brandon Garrison Commits to Another Season with Kentucky Wildcats for 2025-26 Campaign

In a significant move that bolsters the Kentucky Wildcats’ frontcourt for the 2025–26 season, 6-foot-10 forward Brandon Garrison has announced his return to Lexington for another year. The former five-star recruit and defensive anchor has elected to bypass the NBA Draft—at least for now—and run it back with the Wildcats. For head coach Mark Pope, Garrison’s decision is nothing short of monumental as Kentucky looks to build on last season’s resurgence and make a serious national title push.

A Decision That Reverberates Throughout the SEC

In an era where top-tier players often jump to the NBA after one season—or even explore lucrative NIL deals elsewhere—Garrison’s return represents a rare and welcome commitment to continuity. After testing the NBA Draft waters and receiving feedback from scouts and executives, the Oklahoma native opted to return to school, citing “unfinished business” and “a chance to win it all in Lexington.”

“This is home now,” Garrison said in a statement released by the university. “Coach Pope, this staff, the fans—everyone believed in me. I’m coming back to take us where we belong. We’re not done.”

His decision sends shockwaves through the SEC and college basketball at large. With rosters constantly in flux due to the transfer portal and early draft departures, retaining a frontcourt centerpiece like Garrison gives Kentucky stability and leadership that few programs can boast heading into the 2025–26 season.

Garrison’s Growth: From Freshman Potential to Sophomore Star

Garrison entered college with a lofty reputation as a five-star signee and McDonald’s All-American. In his freshman year at Kentucky, he had flashes of brilliance—showing elite shot-blocking instincts, smooth post footwork, and an ability to stretch the floor with a developing midrange game. But it was during his sophomore campaign in 2024–25 that Garrison truly blossomed.

He averaged 12.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, anchoring Kentucky’s defense and becoming a focal point on both ends of the floor. His ability to control the paint, defend the pick-and-roll, and finish with authority made him one of the most impactful big men in the country. By season’s end, he had earned All-SEC Second Team honors and was on the shortlist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given to the nation’s top center.

What truly separated Garrison from his peers was his versatility. Despite standing nearly seven feet tall, he moved fluidly, switched onto guards when needed, and had the stamina to play heavy minutes in close games. NBA scouts noted his potential as a two-way contributor, with some mock drafts projecting him as a late first-round pick.

Yet for Garrison, the decision wasn’t just about draft position—it was about legacy.

Coach Pope Reacts: “We Just Got Better Overnight”

Mark Pope, entering his second season as Kentucky’s head coach, didn’t hide his excitement.

“Brandon Garrison coming back changes everything,” Pope said. “He’s the heart of our defense, our emotional leader, and one of the smartest players I’ve coached. He could’ve gone pro and done just fine, but he wants to build something special here. That speaks volumes about who he is.”

Pope’s system, built around toughness, movement, and rim protection, fits Garrison’s skillset perfectly. The staff reportedly laid out a development plan showing how another year under their tutelage could elevate Garrison into a lottery pick in 2026—and more importantly, how he could help raise a banner at Rupp Arena.

With Pope now securing his biggest offseason “recruit,” Kentucky fans can exhale knowing the team’s frontcourt has an elite foundation heading into next season.

Locker Room Leadership and Off-Court Growth

While Garrison’s on-court contributions are obvious, his impact in the locker room is equally critical. After the departures of several veteran players and the expected exodus of draft-bound stars, Kentucky needs leadership—and Garrison has stepped into that role naturally.

“He’s a calming presence,” said freshman forward Jahari Ingram. “He keeps us focused. In practice, he pushes us, and he’s not afraid to speak up when something’s off. You need that if you want to win big.”

Garrison has also become deeply involved in community initiatives, participating in youth camps and NIL-backed charitable programs across the Lexington area. His maturity and charisma have made him a fan favorite and a trusted leader within the program.

“He gets it,” said assistant coach Jason Hart. “He understands that being a Kentucky Wildcat means something more than stats and wins. It’s about tradition, responsibility, and giving back.”

Kentucky’s 2025–26 Outlook: National Title Aspirations

With Garrison anchoring the paint, Kentucky’s roster suddenly looks much more formidable. The Wildcats are expected to bring in a top-10 recruiting class, highlighted by explosive guard Jayden McDowell and wing shooter Tyrese Glenn, both of whom bring scoring punch and athleticism. Combine that with potential returning players like Reed Sheppard and Adou Thiero, and the Wildcats have the makings of a deep, experienced squad.

Most importantly, Garrison’s return gives Pope flexibility with lineups. He can go big with Garrison and fellow post player Aaron Bradshaw, or play small-ball with Garrison as the lone rim protector surrounded by shooters.

SEC insiders believe Kentucky is now the early favorite to win the conference, with ESPN’s Seth Greenberg calling the Wildcats “a Final Four-level team, especially now that Garrison is back in blue.”

Player Development: What Garrison Plans to Improve

While Garrison’s sophomore season was a breakout, there’s still room for growth—and he knows it. In conversations with NBA executives, several areas for improvement were identified:

• Outside shooting: Though he showed flashes of range, Garrison shot just 21.7% from three. Becoming a legitimate floor-spacer will elevate his draft stock significantly.
• Free throw consistency: He improved from 55% to 67% at the line, but more work is needed.
• Offensive aggression: At times, Garrison deferred too much and passed up scoring opportunities in the post. Scouts want to see him dominate with confidence.

Pope and his staff have built a summer development program focused on strength training, shooting mechanics, and footwork efficiency.

“If he makes that leap offensively while keeping the defensive dominance? He’s a top-10 pick next year,” one NBA scout told The Athletic. “The tools are already there.”

NIL Factor: A Win for Kentucky’s New Era

Another factor in Garrison’s return is Kentucky’s evolving NIL infrastructure. Under Pope and new athletic department leadership, the Wildcats have stepped up their game in the Name, Image, and Likeness space—securing partnerships, branding opportunities, and community engagement for players.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Garrison has signed a new NIL deal that includes endorsements, public appearances, and a role in a regional advertising campaign tied to the Kentucky Basketball legacy. While financial terms haven’t been disclosed, it’s clear that the Wildcats can now compete with any program in the NIL landscape.

“This isn’t just about keeping players—it’s about supporting them,” said UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. “Brandon is a prime example of how we can help athletes grow their brand while achieving their dreams on the court and in the classroom.”

The Bigger Picture: Garrison as a Face of Modern College Hoops

In many ways, Brandon Garrison’s decision reflects a shifting mindset among top-tier college athletes. Rather than jumping to the next level as soon as possible, players are increasingly considering development, branding, and legacy before making life-altering decisions.

For Kentucky, Garrison becomes the face of that movement.

“He’s not just coming back to play basketball,” said former Wildcat and NBA veteran Tayshaun Prince. “He’s coming back to lead, to win, to become legendary. And that’s what Kentucky basketball is all about.”

College basketball insiders are already tabbing Garrison as a preseason All-American candidate and a frontrunner for SEC Defensive Player of the Year. If he takes the expected leap offensively, he could even find himself in the Naismith Player of the Year conversation.

The Fanbase Reacts: “We’re All In”

Kentucky fans—arguably the most passionate in college basketball—have taken to social media to celebrate the return of their shot-swatting star.

Twitter was flooded with messages like:

• “We’re getting #9 next year. Brandon Garrison just made that possible.”
• “Garrison staying = Pope cooking. Cats are back, baby.”
• “Big Blue Nation rides with Brandon!”

The return of Garrison has reignited excitement heading into summer workouts and the fall exhibition schedule. Season ticket demand has already spiked, and UK merchandise sales—particularly Garrison’s jersey—have seen a noticeable bump.

For a program that’s spent the last few years searching for consistency and elite identity post-Calipari, Garrison’s return offers both.

What’s Next?

With Brandon Garrison back in the fold, Kentucky’s focus now turns to rounding out its 2025–26 roster. There’s optimism that a few transfer portal targets could join the mix, especially shooters to complement Garrison’s inside presence. There’s also speculation that another key starter from last year’s team may return, though no official announcement has been made.

Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Kentucky is now firmly in the national championship conversation. And it starts with No. 23 patrolling the paint, firing up the crowd at Rupp, and swatting away anyone who dares enter his domain.

In an era defined by movement, Brandon Garrison is staying put—and Big Blue Nation couldn’t be happier.

With unfinished business on the hardwood and a growing legacy off of it, the towering talent is ready to lead the Wildcats into the 2025–26 season with championship dreams and a sense of purpose.

And in Lexington, that’s exactly what the fans have been waiting for.