Kentucky women’s basketball ranked No. 5 on SEC preseason poll

Kentucky women’s basketball ranked No. 5 on SEC preseason poll Categories: Women's Basketball Kentucky women’s basketball ranked No. 5 on SEC preseason poll Henry Kvech, Women’s Basketball Beat Reporter October 14, 2026 Peyton Tindall The University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball bench celebrates a three pointer in UK’s loss to USC 60-56 at the Historic Memorial Coliseum Lexington, Ky on Sunday Mar. 1, 2026. Photo taken by Peyton Tindall | Kentucky Kernel This upcoming season’s edition of the SEC women’s basketball media poll was announced, giving the first look at predictions for standings, as well as accolades. Kentucky comes in picked to finish fifth in the SEC following its first Sweet 16 appearance in a decade. In both of coach Kenny Brooks’ previous seasons with the team, Kentucky was picked to finish No.8 in the conference. The jump was likely due to the recruiting Brooks was able to pull off in the offseason, grabbing three McDonald’s All-Americans, and compiling the sixth-best transfer class in the nation. Kentucky’s star center Clara Strack was named to the All-SEC First Team, as well as the preseason favorite to win SEC Defensive Player of the Year. This comes after Strack was able to surpass her very own school record for blocks in a single season with 91. Strack averaged 16.9 PPG and 10.1 RPG this past season where she served as the defensive anchor for a team that led the SEC in blocks. The center enters the season looking to earn the award for the second time in her career, previously winning it in her first season with the team. Kentucky women’s basketball is set to pick back up soon, with Kentucky’s season opener against Morehead State coming Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. EST at Memorial Coliseum. View Story Comments 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Leave a Comment More to Discover More in Women's Basketball Kentucky basketball opens 2026-27 season with 38th annual Big Blue Madness COLUMN: Kentucky men's soccer's performance has been shocking, but potential for the season to turn around still persists COLUMN: Kentucky women’s basketball deserves more respect in preseason rankings Kentucky women’s basketball finalizes non-conference schedule Big Blue Madness moved to early October, Fan Fest returns in 2026 Kentucky women's basketball SEC schedule announced for upcoming 2026-27 season