Kentucky Basketball 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker: Mark Pope’s New Era Begins

In the modern era of college basketball, the transfer portal has become just as important as high school recruiting. For blue-blood programs like Kentucky, which has long been known for its one-and-done freshmen and NBA pipeline, adapting to the portal is not just important — it’s essential. As new head coach Mark Pope takes over in Lexington, all eyes are on how he’ll retool the roster for the 2025–26 season.

With the 2025 transfer portal window wide open, Kentucky has been both a landing spot for high-end talent and a source of outbound movement. This tracker will detail the Wildcats’ key additions, departures, potential moves, and how Pope’s philosophy is beginning to shape the roster for his first season at the helm.

Setting the Scene: Mark Pope’s Vision

When Kentucky parted ways with John Calipari and ushered in the Mark Pope era, there were immediate questions about how the former BYU coach would operate in one of college basketball’s most high-pressure environments. Would he chase five-star freshmen? Would he embrace the transfer portal as heavily as other elite programs?

Pope made it clear early on: the portal was going to be his tool of choice for quickly building a contender. He acknowledged that to compete in the SEC and NCAA Tournament, Kentucky needed players who were experienced, versatile, and hungry — qualities often found in proven transfers.

In short order, Pope and his staff built a strategy around targeting high-upside transfers with multiple years of eligibility left, balanced with older veterans who could lead.

Portal Additions: Building Blocks for 2025-26

1. Mouhamed Dioubate – Forward (Alabama)

One of Pope’s first big wins in the portal, Mouhamed Dioubate, is a former four-star prospect who spent two seasons at Alabama. The 6-foot-7 forward is a rugged, high-motor player who averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 2024–25. He plays much bigger than his size suggests and has shown the ability to guard multiple positions.

For Pope, Dioubate offers a defensive tone-setter and rebounder who can run the floor. Expect him to slot in as a starting forward or be a top rotation player.

2. Jaland Lowe – Point Guard (Pittsburgh)

With Acaden Lewis decommitting, Kentucky wasted no time replacing the dynamic point guard. Enter Jaland Lowe, a former top-50 recruit who flashed big-time potential in his time at Pitt. Lowe is a pure floor general — a pass-first point guard who also brings scoring ability off the dribble.

Lowe’s court vision and maturity will be crucial for a Kentucky team that’s likely to be full of new pieces. He could easily become the starting point guard in Pope’s first season.

3. Otega Oweh – Guard (Oklahoma)

Pope dipped into the Big 12 for a defensive-minded guard in Otega Oweh. A 6-foot-5 slasher who averaged 11.4 points and 4.2 rebounds, Oweh’s versatility gives Kentucky a true two-way player. His perimeter defense, athleticism, and transition game are ideal fits for Pope’s up-tempo system.

Oweh should be in line for a starting role, especially given the number of backcourt departures.

4. Amari Williams – Center (Drexel)

Kentucky needed size and experience in the post, and they got it in Amari Williams, a 6-foot-10 shot blocker and three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year. Williams averaged 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 2024–25.

While he’ll face tougher competition in the SEC, Williams brings leadership and rim protection — both areas where Kentucky struggled in past seasons.

Big Win: Jayden Quaintance (via Portal)

Perhaps the biggest name in the Kentucky transfer class is technically not new — it’s Jayden Quaintance, the 17-year-old phenom who originally signed with Kentucky and entered the portal after Calipari’s departure.

Pope re-recruited and retained Quaintance, who withdrew his name from the portal and recommitted to Kentucky. The 6-foot-9 forward is already projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Pope praised his mix of “explosiveness and skill,” calling him a potential centerpiece of the 2025–26 squad.

Committed but Still in Play: Koby Brea and Others

Sources indicate Kentucky is close to adding Koby Brea, the elite shooter from Dayton who led the nation in three-point percentage last year (51.2%). If Brea follows through on his commitment, Pope adds one of the most lethal shooters in the portal — a player who could stretch defenses and open space for Lowe, Quaintance, and Dioubate.

Other names rumored to be on Kentucky’s radar include:

• Tarris Reed Jr. (Michigan) – A powerful big man with SEC-ready size.
• TJ Bamba (Villanova) – A wing scorer with high-major experience.
• Jaxson Robinson (BYU) – One of Pope’s former players who could be enticed to join in Lexington.

Departures: Who’s Out of Lexington?

1. D.J. Wagner – Entered the Portal

The former five-star guard and centerpiece of the 2023 class has entered the portal after two uneven seasons in Lexington. Wagner showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, turnovers, and injuries.

He’s expected to draw significant interest from programs on both coasts, including schools in the ACC and Big Ten.

2. Rob Dillingham – NBA Draft

No surprise here. Dillingham is headed to the NBA after averaging 15.2 points and dazzling scouts with his elite handle and shot creation. He leaves as a likely lottery pick.

3. Justin Edwards – Portal/NBA?

As of mid-April, Edwards’ decision is still up in the air. He may opt for the draft, but several sources say he’s also testing the waters in the portal. The once-hyped forward never quite lived up to his five-star billing at Kentucky, but has potential to thrive in a new system.

4. Aaron Bradshaw – Portal

The 7-foot former five-star center entered the portal after an up-and-down season. Injuries and fit were constant issues, and Bradshaw is now exploring options that better suit his style of play.

Decommitments & Recruiting Fallout

Acaden Lewis Decommits

The talented four-star guard from Washington D.C. decommitted shortly after Lowe’s transfer was announced. Lewis had originally committed to Kentucky under Calipari, and although Pope tried to keep him onboard, the logjam at point guard led to Lewis backing out.

Former Kentucky target Caleb Wilson, a five-star in the 2025 class, chimed in on Lewis’s departure, posting cryptically on social media: “All I’ll say is: loyalty isn’t always mutual.”

While Wilson never formally committed to Kentucky, the quote raised eyebrows and seemed to suggest that the coaching transition may have altered the tone with some blue-chip prospects.

What’s Next: Targets Still on the Board

Kentucky is still very much active in the portal. With multiple scholarships available and Pope’s recruiting momentum building, expect the Wildcats to target:

• A backup point guard (if Lowe starts, depth will be key)
• A stretch four who can shoot from deep
• A veteran wing with defensive chops

Don’t be surprised if Pope looks to the international market as well — especially given his BYU background, where he found hidden gems overseas.

Portal Philosophy: What Makes Pope Different?

Where Calipari often leaned heavily on freshmen and NBA-bound talent, Pope’s style seems more balanced. He wants shooters, defenders, and glue guys. The portal allows him to target players with three things:

1. Experience – SEC play is brutal. Freshmen often get lost.
2. Versatility – Multiple positions, switching on defense, spacing on offense.
3. Coachability – Pope places a premium on “gym rats,” not hype.

So far, his moves reflect that. Dioubate, Oweh, Williams, and Lowe aren’t just talented — they’re proven producers.

Way-Too-Early Projected Starting Lineup (2025–26)

PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Koby Brea (projected)
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance

6th man: Amari Williams
Bench: Kam Williams, incoming freshmen, and additional portal commits.

It’s not your typical Kentucky lineup full of McDonald’s All-Americans — but it might just be more cohesive. And Pope believes cohesion wins in March.

Closing Thoughts: A New Blueprint in Big Blue Nation

For years, Kentucky lived and died by the NBA potential of its youngest stars. Under Mark Pope, the blueprint looks different: player development, veteran toughness, and portal precision. The 2025 portal class is a strong first step in that direction.

Will it result in an SEC title or a deep NCAA run? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure — Kentucky is no longer trying to win the old way. In the portal era, adaptability is key.

And Pope, with his measured yet aggressive approach, seems ready to embrace it all.