Collin Chandler Enters Transfer Portal After Two Seasons at Kentucky

Collin Chandler, a 6-foot-5 guard from Farmington, Utah, has entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Kentucky. ESPN reported he carries a “do not contact” designation. That tag prevents coaches from initiating contact, though Chandler can communicate with schools himself.

Background and Kentucky arrival

Chandler originally committed to play for Mark Pope at BYU. He was on a two-year Mormon mission when Pope accepted Kentucky’s head-coaching job in April 2024. Pope then made Chandler his first commitment at Kentucky.

On-court development

Chandler struggled early after the layoff before his freshman year. He finished the 2024-25 season showing improved shooting and made key plays during Kentucky’s run to the Sweet 16.

As a sophomore in 2025-26, he became a regular starter. He started 31 of 36 games and averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals.

Three-point shooting

Chandler led Kentucky with 178 three-point attempts. He made 41.0 percent of those attempts. That finish placed him sixth in SEC three-point percentage.

He had standout games, including a 6-for-8 outing from deep in a 91-77 win over Vanderbilt. Despite a late-season slump, he remained one of the team’s top perimeter threats.

Roster consequences for Mark Pope

Chandler’s decision intensifies questions about Kentucky’s backcourt. Senior guards Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen will depart this spring.

• Oweh is viewed as a potential NBA draft pick.
• Aberdeen has entered the transfer portal and may seek a waiver for a fifth year.
• Jaland Lowe and Jasper Johnson have also entered the portal.

Kam Williams, a 6-foot-8 guard, will return for his junior year. He provides size and perimeter shooting for the backcourt.

Recruiting and roster moves

Kentucky has secured four-star point guard Mason Williams. He is the son of NBA All-Star Mo Williams. Mo Williams has been hired as an assistant coach for the program.

Coach Pope still seeks a starting point guard and more shooting through the transfer portal. Center Malachi Moreno has signaled he will likely return if he withdraws from the NBA draft by May 27.

Portal timing and logistics

Players have until April 21 to enter the transfer portal. They may finalize new school choices after that date if they entered before the deadline.

Chandler’s move was reported on April 8, 2026. Kentucky now faces a significant offseason in reshaping its backcourt.