Kentucky Wildcats Star Collin Chandler Enters Transfer Portal

Sophomore guard leaves Lexington program after one season with the team.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:35am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion of a basketball player in mid-drive.The departure of fan favorite Collin Chandler leaves a void in the Kentucky Wildcats' backcourt that the team must now fill.Lexington Today

Collin Chandler, a popular sophomore guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, has entered the NCAA transfer portal and will be leaving the Lexington program after just one season. Chandler emerged as a fan favorite this past winter, but has decided to explore other options for the next stage of his college basketball career.

Why it matters

Chandler's departure is a significant loss for the Kentucky Wildcats, who were hoping he would continue developing into a key contributor for the team. His transfer opens up a scholarship spot and creates a need for head coach John Calipari to find a replacement in the backcourt.

The details

Chandler, a 6'4" guard, averaged 8.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game as a freshman for the Wildcats. He quickly became a fan favorite in Lexington due to his hustle, defense and outside shooting ability. However, after just one season, Chandler has decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal, allowing him to explore options at other programs.

  • Collin Chandler entered the transfer portal on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Collin Chandler

A 6'4" sophomore guard who played one season for the Kentucky Wildcats.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Collin was a great addition to our team this past year and we're disappointed to see him leave. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats

What’s next

Chandler will now begin evaluating potential transfer destinations, with BYU rumored to be one of the schools he is considering. The Cougars could provide Chandler an opportunity to play a larger role and potentially earn more playing time.

The takeaway

Chandler's transfer is a setback for the Kentucky Wildcats, who will need to find a replacement in the backcourt for next season. However, the sophomore guard's decision to explore other options opens up new possibilities for his college basketball future.