The Kentucky Wildcats may still be rounding out their basketball roster, and Mark Pope could again be on the recruiting and prospecting trail.
Jaxon Kohler is a name to keep an eye on, and he should be set to return to college hoops for his fifth season. He's been receiving interest from Kentucky, along with Kansas and BYU, per Jon Rothstein. There's not really a known favorite at this point, but NIL is likely to play a key factor. A federal court judge in Colorado provided the update for Kohler and former teammate Tre Holloman on Friday.
Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game a season ago, shooting 50% from the field and 38.9% from deep. He really blossomed as a stretch-four player, standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds. He started
all 35 games in which he played, his second season being a starter for Tom Izzo and the Spartans. Kohler had spent all four seasons with the Spartans.
That's exactly the type of talent that Pope and company should be eyeing, especially with the playmaking and floor spacing this team is expected to have on their roster.
Jaxon Kohler tells me that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year and is receiving interest from the following programs:
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 1, 2026
Kansas
Kentucky
BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.9 RPG last season at Michigan State.
A return to East Lansing is also possible.
Kohler excelled last season as a three-point shooter. He went from two triples as a freshman, to three as a sophomore and then 51 and 149. He connected on 58 triples and shot almost 40% from deep during his last season. He also has the size to be able to defend big men.
Alongside Malachi Moreno, the Cats could really fill out the frontcourt and make that a strength for the program. The unknown regarding Kam Williams health is also pivotal in looking to add Kohler, but it'll be interesting to see if the Wildcats have the NIL budget available to bring in the star big man.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Jaxon Kohler getting interest from Kentucky, other blue blood programs
