BREAKING: Brandon Garrison Stuns Fans at Kroger Field, Declares Return to Kentucky for 2025-26 Season
*Lexington, KY* — In a moment that sent shockwaves through Big Blue Nation, Kentucky Wildcats standout Brandon Garrison made a surprise announcement Thursday evening at Kroger Field, declaring he will return for the 2025-26 college basketball season.
With thousands of fans packed into the stadium for the spring football game and festivities, the crowd erupted as Garrison took the mic at midfield. Dressed in Kentucky blue, the sophomore forward delivered a message that had fans on their feet: “I’m not going anywhere.”
The statement, met with deafening cheers, confirmed what many Kentucky fans had hoped for but didn’t dare expect — that their rising star would forego the NBA Draft for at least one more year in Lexington.
“I’ve talked it over with my family, my coaches, and my teammates,” Garrison said. “This place means a lot to me. The fans, the energy, the opportunity to grow — I’m coming back to finish what we started.”
A Fan Favorite Returns
Garrison, a 6-foot-10 powerhouse originally from Oklahoma, quickly became a cornerstone for the Wildcats this past season. Averaging 13.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, he emerged as both a defensive anchor and offensive threat under first-year head coach Mark Pope.
Many draft analysts projected Garrison as a late first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the lure of another season in Lexington, combined with unfinished business on the court, proved too strong.
Head coach Mark Pope, who has reinvigorated the Kentucky program with his passionate leadership and fast-paced style of play, couldn’t contain his excitement after the announcement.
“Brandon is the heartbeat of this team,” Pope said. “He’s not just a great player — he’s a leader, a motivator, and the kind of person you build championship teams around. We’re going to make him a centerpiece, and we’re going all in this year.”
The Blueprint for a Comeback Season
After a disappointing early exit from the NCAA Tournament this past March, Kentucky fans were left hungry for a deeper postseason run. Garrison’s return signals a potential shift in momentum, as the Wildcats look to reestablish themselves as national title contenders.
With a highly-rated recruiting class incoming and several key players considering a return, the stage is set for what could be a special season in Lexington.
Garrison also hinted at some of the unfinished goals that brought him back.
“We had our ups and downs last season, but I believe in what Coach Pope is building,” he said. “I want to win an SEC title, I want to go deep in the tournament, and I want to leave a legacy here. Kentucky deserves that.”
Big Blue Nation Reacts
Within minutes of Garrison’s announcement, social media exploded with reactions from fans, former players, and even national pundits. The phrase “He’s back!” trended on X (formerly Twitter), and videos of the announcement at Kroger Field began circulating online.
One fan wrote, “Garrison staying is the best news since we hired Coach Pope. Let’s go win a title!” Another posted, “This just changed everything for next season. Run it back, BG!”
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on one of the most exciting moments of Kentucky’s offseason, all eyes now turn to how Coach Pope and the Wildcats will build around Garrison.
With leadership, talent, and momentum on their side, the 2025-26 Kentucky Wildcats are already shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with — and it all starts with Brandon Garrison staying home.
