Kentucky Facing 'Full Reboot' After Collin Chandler's Transfer to BYU

College basketball analyst Jeff Goodman breaks down the Wildcats' roster overhaul and what's next for the program.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college basketball scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue and white hues representing the Kentucky Wildcats and their transfer portal challenges.The departure of key players like Collin Chandler leaves Kentucky's basketball program in a state of flux, requiring a strategic rebuild through the transfer portal.Lexington Today

Kentucky has lost several key players from its 2025-26 men's basketball team, including Collin Chandler, who announced he is transferring to BYU. With Chandler's departure, along with the exits of Denzel Aberdeen and others, the Wildcats are facing a 'full reboot' according to college hoops insider Jeff Goodman. Kentucky is now left with just six returning players as head coach Mark Pope looks to rebuild the roster through the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Kentucky is one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, but the Wildcats are dealing with significant roster turnover after a disappointing season that ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Losing a player like Chandler, who was expected to be a key contributor, is a major blow and leaves Kentucky with a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

The details

Chandler's transfer to BYU is a reunion of sorts, as he initially committed to the Cougars when current Kentucky coach Mark Pope was their head coach. Chandler's departure, along with the return of Denzel Aberdeen to Florida, leaves Kentucky with just six players to build around for next season. The Wildcats have also seen several other players enter the transfer portal, including Jaland Lowe, Jasper Johnson, Brandon Garrison, Mo Dioubate, and Andrija Jelavic. Center Malachi Moreno has also declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, adding even more uncertainty to Kentucky's roster.

  • On April 11, 2026, Denzel Aberdeen announced he would return to Florida after spending one season at Kentucky.
  • On April 12, 2026, Collin Chandler announced he is transferring to BYU.

The players

Collin Chandler

A 6-foot-5 guard who was expected to be one of Kentucky's 'go-to-guys' next season before deciding to transfer to BYU.

Mark Pope

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

Malachi Moreno

Kentucky's center who has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility at the university.

Kam Williams

One of the six players Kentucky is expected to have returning next season.

Mason Williams

Kentucky's incoming freshman point guard.

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What they’re saying

“It hurts Kentucky... You want to keep and retain as many of your top-eight [players] as you can and now you're looking at Kentucky being kind of a full reboot for the most part, right? Like, what are they?”

— Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Insider

“Malachi Moreno? We'll see if they get him back. They better! They better get him back. Because, again, what you don't want to do is start completely over; then you're rolling the dice if you're Mark Pope.”

— Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Insider

What’s next

Kentucky will need to be active in the transfer portal this offseason to rebuild its roster and try to compete for a national championship in 2026-27. Retaining Malachi Moreno will be crucial, and the Wildcats will also need to add several impact transfers to replace the departures of Chandler, Aberdeen, and others.

The takeaway

Kentucky's roster overhaul this offseason highlights the challenges even elite college basketball programs can face with the increased player movement in the transfer portal era. The Wildcats will need to quickly reload through the portal if they want to bounce back from a disappointing 2025-26 season and return to contending for a national title.