Kentucky Transfer Collin Chandler Commits to BYU

Former Wildcat guard returns to school he originally committed to out of high school.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes.Chandler's return to BYU adds a new dimension to the Cougars' roster as they aim to rebuild and rise up the rankings.Farmington Today

Former Kentucky guard Collin Chandler has committed to BYU, where he originally committed out of high school. Chandler spent two seasons with the Wildcats after following head coach Mark Pope to his new program in 2024. He now returns closer to home, transferring back to the school he committed to in high school.

Why it matters

Chandler's transfer to BYU is significant as the Cougars look to rebuild their roster after losing key players like star freshman AJ Dybantsa and transfer guards Rob Wright and Kennard Davis. Chandler's experience and shooting ability will be valuable additions as BYU aims to rise up the rankings for the 2026-27 season.

The details

In his two seasons at Kentucky, the 6-foot-5 guard Chandler grew from a reserve role to a starting job. This past season, he averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while shooting 43.5% from the field and 41% from the 3-point line. He now returns to BYU, where he originally committed out of high school, to help fill the role vacated by outgoing senior Richie Saunders.

  • Chandler spent the last two seasons at Kentucky after following head coach Mark Pope in 2024.
  • This past season, Chandler averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Wildcats.

The players

Collin Chandler

A 6-foot-5 guard who spent the last two seasons at Kentucky after originally committing to BYU out of high school.

Mark Pope

The head coach who Chandler followed from BYU to Kentucky in 2024.

Richie Saunders

The outgoing senior guard at BYU whose role Chandler is expected to help fill.

AJ Dybantsa

BYU's star freshman who projects to enter the NBA Draft as a top pick.

Rob Wright

A transfer guard who is entering the portal after playing at BYU.

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What they’re saying

“Chandler's transfer to BYU is a big get for the Cougars as they look to rebuild their roster. His experience and shooting ability will be valuable additions.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Head Coach

What’s next

Chandler's arrival at BYU will be a key storyline to follow as the Cougars aim to rise up the rankings for the 2026-27 season. His integration into the team and how he performs will be crucial to BYU's success.

The takeaway

Chandler's transfer back to BYU represents a homecoming for the Utah native, who originally committed to the Cougars out of high school. His experience and skills will be valuable assets as BYU looks to rebuild its roster and contend in the upcoming season.