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Three Kentucky Players Expected to Return for 2026-27 Season
Wildcats coach Mark Pope faces key roster decisions ahead of next season.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34pm
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With the NCAA transfer portal opening soon, Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is waiting to see which players from last year's team will return for the 2026-27 season. While some Wildcats have already entered the portal, three key contributors - guard Kam Williams, center Malachi Moreno, and guard Collin Chandler - are expected to remain in Lexington for another year.
Why it matters
Retaining these three players would provide valuable experience and talent as Pope looks to build Kentucky's roster for next season. Williams and Chandler are proven scorers, while the freshman Moreno showed promise as the team's starting center. Their decisions will significantly impact the Wildcats' outlook for the upcoming campaign.
The details
Williams was emerging as a go-to scorer before suffering a foot injury last season, but he returned for the postseason and is expected to be a double-digit scorer next year if he stays. Moreno stepped into a starting role as a true freshman and, with added strength, could be poised for a breakout sophomore season. Meanwhile, Chandler has been loyal to coach Pope and is rumored to be leaning towards returning, after leading Kentucky in scoring this past year.
- The NCAA transfer portal opens on April 7th.
- Some Kentucky players have already announced plans to enter the portal.
The players
Kam Williams
A Kentucky guard who was a key scorer before suffering a foot injury last season, but is expected to return as a double-digit scorer next year if he stays.
Malachi Moreno
The Wildcats' starting center this past season as a true freshman, who could be poised for a breakout sophomore campaign with added strength.
Collin Chandler
A Kentucky guard who led the team in scoring this past year and is rumored to be leaning towards returning, despite some speculation he may want to transfer closer to home.
What’s next
Coach Pope will have to wait until the transfer portal opens on April 7th to see if any other players from last year's Kentucky team decide to enter it, which could impact his roster plans for next season.
The takeaway
Retaining Williams, Moreno, and Chandler would provide a strong foundation for Kentucky as they look to bounce back next season. Their decisions will be crucial in determining the Wildcats' outlook and how coach Pope approaches building the 2026-27 roster.
