As the transfer portal deadline approaches, Kentucky basketball fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The chaotic spring season of portal activity has taken a toll on many programs, but as of now, head coach Mark Pope has been able to retain his key players heading into the 2025-26 season. With the April 22 deadline fast approaching, the Wildcats’ roster is beginning to take shape, providing a sense of stability amidst the unpredictability of college basketball’s offseason.
This spring’s transfer portal has been especially unpredictable, even by its usual standards. Players from high-profile programs have made surprise moves, with some players reportedly securing massive, seven-figure deals, leading to wild speculation about where the best talent will land. While some of this uncertainty has affected Kentucky, particularly with high-profile players like Magoon Gwath and Acaden Lewis, the Wildcats have managed to maintain control over their key returning players.
So far, the only significant loss for Kentucky has been Kerr Kriisa, who had been expected to leave for weeks before officially entering his name in the portal just days after Kentucky’s season ended with a loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament. This departure, while not a shock, does leave a hole in the backcourt, but it’s outweighed by the fact that the Wildcats have held onto the rest of their critical players.
The biggest question mark heading into portal season was Brandon Garrison, a 6-foot-10 forward who had played sparingly in his first season in Lexington. Rumors swirled that he might enter the portal, especially after the addition of 6-10 forward Jayden Quaintance, a highly regarded recruit who could potentially start right away. However, Garrison quelled any doubts by announcing that he would return to Kentucky for the 2025-26 season. His decision to stay ensures that the Wildcats will have a solid foundation for next year’s frontcourt.
Otega Oweh, Kentucky’s leading scorer in the 2024-25 season, also remains with the team, as does Collin Chandler, who emerged as a key contributor in the latter part of the season. Both Oweh and Chandler are expected to play significant roles for the Wildcats next year. Oweh has a decision to make regarding the NBA draft, but he’ll likely return for his senior season. Chandler, meanwhile, has reportedly been considering a move back to Utah, but all indications suggest he will remain in Lexington for another year.
Freshmen Trent Noah and Travis Perry have been adamant about their intention to stay, despite the influx of new transfers and higher-profile recruits. The two Kentucky natives have expressed a strong desire to prove themselves on the court and have already earned important minutes during the previous season. Their commitment to staying in Lexington is a positive sign for Pope, who will need their contributions as the roster continues to evolve.
Kentucky is expected to make a formal announcement soon about which players will be returning for next season. However, with no news on any additional departures, fans can feel confident that most of the key pieces will remain intact for 2025-26. The Wildcats are looking to build a competitive team capable of contending for a national title, and retaining these players is an important step in that direction.
In addition to the players returning, Kentucky is still in the mix for some significant transfers. The top candidate to fill the 13th roster spot is Lamar Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5 guard from Sam Houston. Wilkerson, who averaged 20.5 points per game and shot 44.5% from three-point range last season, made an official visit to Lexington and has emerged as one of the top transfer targets for Kentucky. His recruitment had been a two-team race between the Wildcats and Indiana, but after he visited Lexington, it seems like Kentucky could be in the driver’s seat for his commitment.
Wilkerson’s scoring ability and versatility could make him a valuable addition to Kentucky’s backcourt, particularly as the Wildcats look to fill the gap left by Kriisa’s departure. With Wilkerson’s recruitment nearing its end, fans will be eagerly watching for his decision, which could significantly impact the team’s outlook for next season.
Meanwhile, former Kentucky player Ugonna Onyenso, who transferred to Kansas State after his freshman year, has also entered the portal. Onyenso, a 7-foot center who started 14 games for the Wildcats during the 2022-23 season, struggled to make an impact at Kansas State and is now looking for a new opportunity. While his departure doesn’t affect Kentucky’s current roster, it’s a reminder of the constant movement in college basketball, as former players continue to seek new homes through the portal.
On the recruiting front, Kentucky recently saw the decommitment of Acaden Lewis, a highly touted combo guard who had signed with the Wildcats in the fall. Lewis, ranked as the No. 35 recruit in the 2025 class, is now exploring other options, with schools like St. John’s, Maryland, and Villanova emerging as potential destinations. His departure is a blow to Kentucky’s recruiting class but doesn’t significantly alter the team’s current roster construction.
As the transfer portal deadline draws closer, Kentucky’s recruitment efforts are still ongoing. While some high-profile transfer targets have committed elsewhere, the Wildcats remain in the hunt for additional talent. One name to watch is former Robert Morris forward Alvaro Folgueiras, who had been considered a potential frontcourt addition before Kentucky’s recent roster changes made that need less urgent. Folgueiras is now focusing on other schools, including Iowa and Providence.
Additionally, Purdue point guard Braden Smith, who had been rumored to transfer to Kentucky, announced that he would remain with the Boilermakers for his senior season. Kentucky had also shown interest in former Jacksonville State guard Jaron Pierre Jr., but he committed to SMU earlier this week.
With a week to go before the April 22 transfer portal deadline, Kentucky’s roster is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country. Mark Pope has done a solid job of retaining key players while also bringing in talented newcomers, and if Wilkerson decides to join the Wildcats, the team will be well-positioned to make a run for the national championship in 2026.
As the Wildcats prepare for the final stretch of transfer decisions, the uncertainty surrounding other programs and the potential for roster turnover across the country will continue to affect the landscape of college basketball. However, for Kentucky, the next week could be the final piece of the puzzle that locks in a championship-caliber roster.