Kentucky Basketball’s 2025-26 Roster Outlook and Transfer Portal Targets

The 2025-26 season for Kentucky Basketball is shaping up to be another exciting one, but there is plenty of work ahead for head coach John Calipari and his staff. The Wildcats, coming off a somewhat disappointing 2024-25 season, are looking to reload and return to national contention. With the recent departure of Kerr Kriisa, the Wildcats now have nine players officially on the roster for next season, but there are still critical positions and roles to fill.

The focus for Kentucky is now squarely on the transfer portal, where Calipari and his staff are searching for key additions to complement their remaining talent. While many teams are entering the portal to address various roster needs, Kentucky’s approach remains unique—targeting proven, experienced talent to enhance their chances of a deep tournament run and a potential national title.

Current Roster Breakdown: The 9 Wildcats Already Set for 2025-26

Before diving into the transfer portal targets, let’s take a look at the players who are currently on the roster, as these players will form the core of the team moving forward:

1. Aaron Bradshaw (C)
   • Bradshaw is one of the most talented big men in the nation and a potential NBA lottery pick. He is a shot-blocker and rim protector, with a developing offensive game that could make him one of the top centers in the country next year. His presence in the paint is crucial for Kentucky’s defensive identity.
2. Justin Edwards (SF)
   • Edwards, a 5-star freshman, is another player with lottery pick potential. Known for his versatility, he can play both forward spots and guard multiple positions. Edwards’ ability to stretch the floor, defend, and handle the ball will be essential to Kentucky’s success.
3. DJ Wagner (PG/SG)
   • One of the top guards in the 2024 recruiting class, Wagner is a dynamic scorer and playmaker. His ability to run the offense and create for others will be critical to Kentucky’s backcourt play.
4. Reed Sheppard (SG)
   • Sheppard, a Kentucky native, provides a great all-around skill set. His shooting and basketball IQ are his standout traits, and he’ll play a key role in both the offense and defense next season.
5. Trey Mitchell (PF/C)
   • Mitchell is a versatile forward who can provide both scoring and rebounding. His experience at the collegiate level should help anchor Kentucky’s frontcourt as a reliable contributor.
6. Cason Wallace (PG/SG)
   • Another highly regarded freshman, Wallace is known for his defensive prowess. He’s a lockdown defender who can disrupt opposing offenses, but he’s also a capable ball-handler and scorer.
7. Chris Livingston (SF)
   • Livingston’s athleticism and defense will be important for Kentucky. Though his offensive game needs refinement, his energy and hustle will be needed for a team looking to make a run in March.
8. Kellan Grady (SG)
   • Grady, a transfer from Davidson, offers experience and shooting. His ability to space the floor and knock down threes will be an important piece for Kentucky’s offensive system.
9. Oscar Tshiebwe (PF/C)
   • The reigning National Player of the Year, Tshiebwe returns to the Wildcats as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. His rebounding, physicality, and leadership will make him the cornerstone of Kentucky’s frontcourt.

With Kerr Kriisa Departing, What Does Kentucky Need?

With Kerr Kriisa’s official departure, Kentucky now faces the challenge of replacing his leadership and playmaking ability at point guard. Though Wagner and Wallace can handle ball-handling duties, Kentucky will need another experienced point guard to run the offense effectively.

In addition to a point guard, Kentucky’s coaching staff is looking for:

• Shooting Threats: While Kentucky has a lot of size and athleticism, the team needs more consistent shooters from the outside to space the floor and make the offense more dynamic. Look for Kentucky to target shooters in the portal who can stretch the defense.
• Wing Depth: With a wealth of frontcourt and backcourt talent, Kentucky needs to bolster its wing rotation, especially if players like Livingston and Edwards can’t take the next step offensively. A versatile forward who can contribute as both a scorer and defender would be a key target.
• Experienced Backcourt Leadership: Given the youth in Kentucky’s backcourt, finding a veteran guard who can mentor younger players like Wagner, Sheppard, and Wallace will be important. Calipari likely values players who bring stability and leadership to the team.

Kentucky’s Transfer Portal Strategy: Who Are They Targeting?

As of now, Kentucky has already begun their pursuit of several notable prospects in the transfer portal. Below is a breakdown of the key players who have reportedly been in contact with Kentucky’s coaching staff, along with the team’s projected needs:

1. Tyrese Hunter (Texas) – PG

Hunter, a former standout at Iowa State, made an immediate impact at Texas last season. Known for his ability to create plays and score efficiently, Hunter would be a perfect fit for Kentucky’s needs at the point guard position. His leadership and experience in high-pressure games could be the missing ingredient for the Wildcats’ backcourt.

Hunter’s familiarity with big-time college basketball and his maturity would also help Kentucky’s younger guards. He has the ability to score from all three levels, distribute the ball, and defend on the perimeter, making him a versatile asset for Calipari’s offense.

2. Keon Ellis (Alabama) – SG

Ellis is a proven commodity in the SEC, and his experience at Alabama would be invaluable for a Kentucky team looking to make a deep tournament run. Ellis is known for his defense, but he also possesses a smooth shooting stroke and can contribute as a scorer. His ability to defend multiple positions and play off the ball would be a great complement to Wagner and Sheppard in the backcourt.

His presence on the wing would give Kentucky a more reliable scoring option while also providing another defensive-minded player to pair with Wallace and Livingston.

3. Caleb Love (North Carolina) – PG/SG

Love’s decision to enter the transfer portal sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. A key figure in North Carolina’s run to the national championship game in 2022, Love is a dynamic guard with the ability to score in bunches. His shooting can be streaky, but when he’s hot, Love can light up the scoreboard.

For Kentucky, Love would be an experienced addition to the backcourt who could help take some of the scoring pressure off players like Wagner. His leadership and championship experience would also be a huge boost to a young team.

4. Jaden Ivey (Purdue) – PG

Ivey’s name has been linked to Kentucky in various rumors, though he’s expected to be a likely NBA draft pick. However, in the event that he does consider another season of college basketball, Ivey would provide a huge upgrade for Kentucky at point guard. Known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to break down defenses, Ivey could be the type of dynamic playmaker Kentucky needs to take their offense to the next level.

5. Tre Mitchell (West Virginia) – PF/C

If Kentucky chooses to pursue additional frontcourt depth, Tre Mitchell would be an intriguing option. Mitchell is an experienced forward who can score inside and stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His ability to play both forward and center would give Kentucky flexibility in their frontcourt, and his experience at the Power 5 level could provide much-needed depth alongside Tshiebwe and Bradshaw.

6. Hunter Dickinson (Michigan) – C

A standout center in the Big Ten, Dickinson has been a dominant force at Michigan. If Dickinson opts to enter the portal, Kentucky would be one of the top programs pursuing him. While Kentucky already boasts significant depth in the frontcourt, adding a player of Dickinson’s caliber would elevate the Wildcats to new heights, providing a physical, skilled center who could dominate in the post.

Dickinson’s size, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability would provide immediate impact and give Kentucky a lethal inside presence to complement their athletic perimeter players.

The Final Push: What’s Next for Kentucky?

With only nine confirmed players currently on the roster for the 2025-26 season, Kentucky has plenty of room to fill out the roster with key transfer portal additions. The Wildcats are in a unique position to go after high-profile targets who can make an immediate impact.

As always, Calipari’s staff will be carefully evaluating the right fits for Kentucky’s system, seeking players who can contribute immediately and elevate the Wildcats to championship contention.

Kentucky’s transfer portal strategy will be shaped by their need for veteran leadership, shooting, and playmaking in the backcourt. Adding players like Hunter, Love, or Ellis would solidify their perimeter game, while a big like Dickinson or Mitchell could add depth and skill to the frontcourt.

At the same time, Kentucky’s long-term success will hinge on how well their young stars—Wagner, Edwards, and Bradshaw—develop. With a strong core already in place, adding the right transfer players could set Kentucky up for a national championship run in 2025-26.

For now, the Wildcats are putting the finishing touches on a roster that should be one of the most talented in college basketball. With Calipari leading the way, the transfer portal will be crucial in filling the gaps and making sure Kentucky is ready to compete for another national title. The next few weeks will be critical in shaping the team’s future, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the latest transfer portal updates to see who else will join the Wildcats’ march to greatness.