Kentucky basketball is gearing up for a major roster overhaul for the 2025-26 season. While Mark Pope isn’t starting from scratch like last year, a significant retooling of the team is underway, and the NCAA transfer portal will play a key role once again.
The Wildcats will lose at least seven players from Pope’s inaugural squad, which ended its season with a Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament. Six players — Ansley Almonor, Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, and Amari Williams — are out of eligibility, while fifth-year guard Kerr Kriisa, who could potentially receive an extra year, entered the transfer portal on Monday.
That leaves a handful of returnees for next season: freshmen guards Collin Chandler and Travis Perry, freshman forward Trent Noah, sophomore center Brandon Garrison, and junior guard Otega Oweh. Additionally, Kentucky has already signed three incoming freshmen: in-state center Malachi Moreno and guards Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis.
Kentucky is also still in the mix for five-star power forward Nate Ament, the top uncommitted recruit in the 2025 high school class.
With several spots open, Kentucky is making moves in the transfer portal. They’ve already secured a commitment from Kam Williams, a former freshman wing at Tulane. So, who will join Williams in the Wildcats’ revamped lineup? Here’s a look at the players Kentucky is seriously pursuing in the portal.
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