Collin Chandler's Kentucky Future Uncertain Amid Hometown Rumors

The star player's relationship with BYU and Mormon faith could lure him back to Utah.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, their figure fragmented and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the tension and uncertainty surrounding Collin Chandler's college basketball future.The future of Kentucky star Collin Chandler remains uncertain as rumors swirl about a potential return to his hometown BYU Cougars.Lexington Today

Collin Chandler, a key player for the Kentucky Wildcats, is facing rumors about his potential departure from the team. Chandler, who originally committed to BYU before following his coach Mark Pope to Kentucky, has strong ties to his Mormon faith and hometown in Utah. With BYU facing roster changes and a significant NIL budget, there are concerns that the Cougars may make a strong push to bring Chandler back home.

Why it matters

Chandler's potential departure would be a major blow to the Kentucky program, which is already undergoing coaching staff changes and roster turnover. His decision could have significant implications for the Wildcats' future success, as well as the ongoing battle for top talent in the era of NIL deals and the transfer portal.

The details

After Kentucky's loss in the NCAA Tournament, Chandler was asked about his future plans, but he deflected the question, saying he was focused on celebrating the team's accomplishments. This has fueled speculation that he may be considering a transfer back to BYU, where he originally committed before following coach Mark Pope to Kentucky. Chandler has a strong connection to his Mormon faith and Utah, and with BYU losing key players, the Cougars may be able to offer a substantial NIL deal to bring the hometown star back.

  • Collin Chandler was asked about his future plans immediately after Kentucky's NCAA Tournament loss.
  • BYU is facing roster changes, with the departure of veteran Richie Saunders and star freshman AJ Dybantsa.
  • The NCAA transfer portal officially opens on April 7th, 2026.

The players

Collin Chandler

A key player for the Kentucky Wildcats who is facing rumors about a potential transfer back to his hometown school, BYU, where he originally committed before following coach Mark Pope to Kentucky.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who previously coached at BYU and has a strong relationship with Collin Chandler.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU Cougars, who has NBA ties and is expected to be ready to reload the team's roster with elite talent in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“That's not what I'm thinking about right now. I'm grateful for this season, for this team, and I hope we can celebrate together the memories that we made, relationships we made, and that's really where my mind's at.”

— Collin Chandler, Kentucky Wildcats Player

What’s next

The NCAA transfer portal officially opens on April 7th, 2026, which will be a critical date for Collin Chandler's future. If he decides to enter the portal, it will set off a bidding war between Kentucky and BYU, with the Cougars potentially able to offer a substantial NIL deal to bring the hometown star back.

The takeaway

Collin Chandler's potential departure from Kentucky would be a significant loss for the Wildcats, as he is a key player for the team. However, the strong pull of his Mormon faith and hometown in Utah, combined with the financial resources available at BYU, could make it difficult for Kentucky to retain him. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by college basketball programs in the era of NIL deals and the transfer portal.