After entering the 2025-26 season with Final Four expectations in year two under head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky Basketball instead finished with a disappointing 22-14 overall record and 10-8 mark in SEC play.
The Wildcats were forced to play on the opening day of the SEC Tournament before eventually falling to Florida in the quarterfinals, marking Kentucky’s third loss to the Gators during the season. Kentucky’s season later ended with a blowout loss to Iowa State in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament.
The disappointing finish created massive roster turnover heading into what many believe is a critical third season for Pope in Lexington.
Kentucky lost 11 of its 16 roster players from last season, including three players to graduation, seven to the transfer portal, and one currently testing the NBA Draft waters. That number could still increase depending on the future of center Malachi Moreno, who remains in the NBA Draft process ahead of the May withdrawal deadline.
With so many departures, Kentucky needed to attack the transfer portal to rebuild the roster, and several newcomers earned recognition in the final 2026 transfer portal rankings released by 247 Sports.
Former Washington point guard Zoom Diallo led Kentucky’s incoming transfer class in the rankings, checking in at No. 27 overall nationally. The 6-foot-4 guard earned a four-star rating and is expected to immediately strengthen Kentucky’s backcourt with his athleticism and ability to create offense.
Former Furman guard Alex Wilkins also finished inside the top 50 transfers nationally, ranking No. 42 overall as another four-star addition. Wilkins gives Kentucky another experienced scoring option and perimeter shooter.
In the frontcourt, former Washington center Franck Kepnang came in at No. 150 overall as a four-star transfer. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound big man provides much-needed size and interior depth.
Kentucky also added former James Madison forward Justin McBride and former Washington State guard Jerone Morton to round out the portal class.
Kentucky Transfer Portal Rankings via 247 Sports
- Zoom Diallo — No. 27 overall transfer (4-star)
- Alex Wilkins — No. 42 overall transfer (4-star)
- Franck Kepnang — No. 150 overall transfer (4-star)
- Justin McBride — No. 216 overall transfer (3-star)
- Jerone Morton — No. 313 overall transfer (3-star)
With an almost entirely rebuilt roster heading into year three under Pope, Kentucky will once again enter the season with high expectations and pressure to return to national championship contention.
