Kentucky Guard Jasper Johnson Joins NCAA Transfer Portal

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 3, 2026 6:39 PM ET

Kentucky Guard Jasper Johnson Joins NCAA Transfer Portal

Kentucky guard Jasper Johnson has entered the NCAA transfer portal after one season with the Wildcats. The move was first reported by Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

Announcement and context

Johnson’s decision comes after Kentucky’s season-ending loss to Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament. He is the second Wildcat to announce plans to transfer since the season ended. Point guard Jaland Lowe made a similar decision earlier.

Freshman year on the floor

Johnson appeared in 35 games as a freshman. He reached double figures in scoring just five times.

His season-high came with 22 points in a December win over North Carolina Central. Playing time was limited once SEC play began. In 13 games in 2025, he logged at least 10 minutes nine times. Across 21 SEC matchups, he reached 10-plus minutes in 12 contests.

In the NCAA Tournament, he totaled eight minutes. That included two minutes against Santa Clara and six against Iowa State.

Recruiting profile and expectations

Johnson was a consensus four-star recruit in the 2025 class. Major recruiting services listed him among the nation’s top 40 prospects.

He committed to Kentucky in September 2024. He chose the Wildcats over Alabama and North Carolina. The commitment came as Mark Pope prepared for his first season coaching his alma mater.

Background and development

Johnson is a 6-foot-5, 180-pound native of Lexington. He is the son of former Kentucky football defensive lineman Dennis Johnson.

In high school, he led Woodford County to the KHSAA Sweet 16 in 2023. That marked the program’s first trip to that stage since 1986. He later transferred to Link Academy in Missouri. He finished his prep career playing in the Overtime Elite league in Atlanta.

Reporting and follow-up

The transfer report was credited to Jonathan Givony. Filmogaz.com will update this story as more information becomes available. Ryan Black, who covers Kentucky men’s basketball and football, provided analysis on Year 2 under coach Mark Pope following the tournament loss.