Kentucky basketball transfer portal tracker: Mark Pope’s 2025–2026 UK roster updates

As college basketball continues to evolve into a fast-paced, ever-changing landscape, the transfer portal has become one of the most pivotal factors in shaping team rosters year after year. The University of Kentucky, under the guidance of Mark Pope, is no exception to this trend. The Wildcats have a proud basketball tradition and, after experiencing some changes in recent seasons, are looking to reload their roster for the 2025–2026 season.

The University of Kentucky has long been considered one of the blue-blood programs in NCAA basketball, with multiple national championships, SEC titles, and a history of producing NBA talent. Under John Calipari, the program had been consistently at the top of the college basketball world, but recent seasons have shown a shift in the power dynamics within the SEC and the overall landscape of college basketball. To keep up with this changing environment, Mark Pope, who took over the reins at Kentucky after Calipari’s departure, has had to navigate an increasingly competitive transfer portal to assemble his 2025–2026 roster.

In this article, we will track the changes to Kentucky’s roster, providing updates on the transfer portal players that Mark Pope has brought in, the players who have left the program, and the potential impact of these moves. The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for what is expected to be another highly competitive season in the SEC, and understanding the makeup of the 2025–2026 roster is crucial for fans, analysts, and recruits alike.

Mark Pope’s Approach to the Transfer Portal

Before delving into the specific updates for the 2025–2026 season, it is important to understand the broader philosophy that Mark Pope brings to Kentucky’s roster management. As a coach, Pope has always been an advocate of creating a balanced team through a mixture of high school recruits and transfer portal acquisitions. While his style of play emphasizes up-tempo offense and strong defense, Pope also understands the importance of integrating experienced players who can make an immediate impact.

With the transfer portal playing an increasingly significant role in roster construction, Pope has embraced this tool to build a team that can compete at the highest level. For the 2025–2026 season, he has focused on bringing in transfers who can step in and contribute right away, while also retaining key players from the previous season to maintain continuity.

The importance of roster management cannot be overstated, especially for a program like Kentucky, where expectations are always sky-high. Pope has had to adapt quickly to the modern college basketball environment, balancing the need for immediate contributors with the long-term goal of building a sustainable program.

Key Additions Through the Transfer Portal

One of the most significant aspects of Kentucky’s 2025–2026 roster is the influx of new talent through the transfer portal. As the NCAA continues to make changes to eligibility rules, more and more high-level players are opting to transfer in search of better opportunities, playing time, or a fresh start. For Kentucky, Pope has strategically used the portal to add depth and talent at key positions.

1. Ethan Harper (Guard, from Duke)

One of the most exciting additions to the Kentucky Wildcats for the 2025–2026 season is Ethan Harper, a dynamic guard who transferred from Duke University. Harper, a former top 30 recruit, was a key contributor at Duke but saw limited minutes behind the Blue Devils’ crowded backcourt. At Kentucky, Harper is expected to play a major role, providing scoring ability, playmaking, and perimeter defense.

Harper is known for his ability to shoot from deep, and his 3-point shooting will be a welcome addition to Kentucky’s offense. With his speed, court vision, and leadership, he could immediately slide into a starting role for Pope’s team. The Wildcats will need to rely on Harper to create plays, both for himself and for others, as well as to provide stability in the backcourt.

2. Cameron Jones (Forward, from Michigan)

The addition of Cameron Jones, a versatile forward from Michigan, gives Kentucky an important piece to their frontcourt rotation. Jones is known for his rebounding prowess and his ability to stretch the floor, making him a great fit for Pope’s system. While he is not a high-flying dunker, Jones’s consistency on both ends of the floor will provide Kentucky with the kind of steady production they need from the forward position.

Jones’s experience in the Big Ten will also help bring a sense of maturity to the Wildcats’ roster, and he will likely be a key contributor in the paint. His ability to guard multiple positions gives Pope the flexibility to use him in different lineups, and he could be a vital player when it comes to defending larger, more physical teams in the SEC.

3. Malik Williams (Center, from Kansas State)

Malik Williams, a 7-foot center from Kansas State, brings size and shot-blocking ability to Kentucky’s frontcourt. Williams’s presence in the paint will provide the Wildcats with a dominant force on both offense and defense. His ability to alter shots and grab rebounds in traffic will be crucial for Kentucky as they look to improve their defensive efficiency and protect the rim.

Offensively, Williams is capable of scoring in the low post and finishing around the basket. While he’s still developing his offensive game, his size alone will make him a challenging matchup for opponents in the SEC. His experience in a competitive Power Five conference like the Big 12 will also prove valuable as Kentucky looks to contend for a national title in 2025–2026.

4. Xavier Brooks (Guard/Forward, from Iowa State)

Xavier Brooks’s transfer to Kentucky could be a game-changer for the Wildcats. Brooks, a combo guard/forward, is an athletic and versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court. At Iowa State, he was known for his ability to create his own shot and provide scoring in a variety of ways. His ability to play multiple positions gives Pope flexibility with his rotations, as he can be used as a wing or in a small-ball lineup.

Brooks’s skill set will be crucial for Kentucky as they look to enhance their offensive firepower. He has the potential to be a big-time scorer for the Wildcats, especially in transition, and could help alleviate some of the scoring burden on the team’s primary ball handlers.

Key Departures: Understanding the Losses

While the additions through the transfer portal are significant, it’s also important to acknowledge the players who have left the Kentucky program. Roster turnover is a natural part of college basketball, and with the rise of the transfer portal, it’s not uncommon for players to leave for a variety of reasons, including playing time, coaching changes, or a desire to play closer to home.

1. Noah Phillips (Guard, transferred to Texas Tech)

Noah Phillips was a talented guard who struggled to find consistent playing time in Kentucky’s crowded backcourt rotation. After his limited role, Phillips decided to transfer to Texas Tech, where he hopes to find more opportunities for playing time and development. While his departure is unfortunate, Kentucky’s backcourt depth is still strong, and the addition of Ethan Harper should help offset the loss of Phillips.

2. Jared Butler (Forward, transferred to Arkansas)

Jared Butler’s departure from Kentucky was a blow to the Wildcats’ forward depth. Butler was known for his athleticism and energy on the court, and his absence will leave a gap in Kentucky’s rotation. However, with the addition of Cameron Jones and the development of younger forwards, Kentucky is expected to manage the loss well. Pope will need to ensure that his frontcourt is well-coached and that new players step up in Butler’s absence.

3. Caleb Green (Center, transferred to UCLA)

Caleb Green was a center who struggled to make an impact at Kentucky. His transfer to UCLA was not surprising, as his minutes were limited in the Wildcats’ crowded frontcourt. While Green’s departure doesn’t leave a massive hole in the lineup, it does affect Kentucky’s depth at center. However, the addition of Malik Williams, a more experienced and skilled center, should help mitigate the loss.

Roster Outlook for the 2025–2026 Season

With the additions of Ethan Harper, Cameron Jones, Malik Williams, and Xavier Brooks, Kentucky’s roster for the 2025–2026 season looks promising. The Wildcats have a blend of experienced transfers and talented players from previous seasons, giving Pope a well-rounded and deep roster to work with.

Kentucky’s strengths will likely be their frontcourt depth, with the size and defensive abilities of Malik Williams and Cameron Jones providing a solid foundation. The Wildcats’ backcourt will be bolstered by Ethan Harper and Xavier Brooks, both of whom have the potential to be key contributors in scoring and playmaking.

The SEC is a competitive league, and Kentucky will face tough challenges throughout the season. However, with the roster changes and the continued development of their players, the Wildcats are well-positioned to be a national contender in the 2025–2026 season.