Kentucky's Collin Chandler Leaves for BYU After Two Seasons

The sharp-shooting guard departs Lexington for a homecoming in Provo.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's jump shot broken down into overlapping planes of blue and gold, representing the transition of Collin Chandler from Kentucky to BYU.Chandler's transfer from Kentucky to BYU represents a homecoming, but also a significant roster shift for both programs.Lexington Today

Kentucky basketball fan favorite Collin Chandler has announced he will be entering the transfer portal and committing to play for BYU next season. Chandler, a three-point specialist, spent two seasons with the Wildcats after initially committing to BYU before going on a mission trip. His departure leaves a void in Kentucky's backcourt as the team looks to replace his clutch shooting.

Why it matters

Chandler's transfer is a significant loss for Kentucky, as he was one of the team's most reliable three-point shooters and a key contributor during the Wildcats' 2026 season. His decision to return home to BYU will impact the rosters and rotations of both programs going forward.

The details

Chandler was a standout shooter for Kentucky, connecting on 41% of his three-point attempts last season. He hit several big shots for the Wildcats, including a go-ahead three-pointer to beat Tennessee. With Chandler's departure, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope will need to find new perimeter threats to complement returning guard Kam Williams.

  • Chandler announced his decision to enter the transfer portal this week.
  • He has now officially committed to play for BYU next season.

The players

Collin Chandler

A sharp-shooting guard who spent two seasons at Kentucky after initially committing to BYU.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who previously coached Chandler at BYU before taking the job in Lexington.

Kam Williams

A returning guard for Kentucky who will be counted on to provide perimeter scoring in Chandler's absence.

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What’s next

Kentucky will need to find new outside shooting threats to complement its returning roster as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Chandler's departure is a significant loss for Kentucky, as he provided reliable three-point shooting and clutch plays during his two seasons in Lexington. His homecoming to BYU will be bittersweet for Wildcats fans, who will hope the team can adequately replace his production on the perimeter.