Is the Wildcats guard about to hit the portal?
Stay-or-go season has arrived in Lexington, and even before the transfer portal officially opens, the uncertainty is already building. Kentucky’s roster is in motion, and decisions made over the next few weeks could reshape the program heading into next season.
Jaland Lowe’s expected move to enter the portal has now been confirmed, giving head coach Mark Pope clarity at the point guard position after a season derailed by injury. Lowe never quite found his rhythm due to a lingering shoulder issue that ultimately required surgery, and a fresh start elsewhere feels like the logical next step for both sides.
But while Lowe’s departure was anticipated, the growing buzz around Collin Chandler is far more unsettling for Kentucky fans.
Following Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa State, Chandler was asked directly about his future in Lexington. His response was measured but non-committal:
“That’s not what I’m thinking about right now. I’m grateful for this season, for this team, and I hope we can celebrate together the memories that we made, relationships we made, and that’s really where my mind’s at.”
In college basketball, that kind of answer rarely settles anything. It’s the kind of response that leaves the door open—and in today’s landscape, that’s often enough to spark concern.
Chandler’s connection to Mark Pope is well known and played a major role in bringing him to Kentucky. Originally committed to BYU, Chandler followed Pope to Lexington after the coaching change, delaying his college career to complete a two-year mission in Sierra Leone. Their relationship is strong, and it’s clear Chandler values playing under Pope.
Still, there are powerful forces pulling him back toward Utah.
Chandler’s roots run deep. He’s from Utah, and his faith is a central part of his life. BYU offers a unique cultural and personal fit that Kentucky simply can’t replicate. For a player like Chandler, that familiarity and alignment off the court could carry just as much weight as basketball factors.
Then there’s the financial side of things.
BYU is expected to have significant NIL resources available this offseason. With key departures like Richie Saunders and projected top talent AJ Dybantsa—who reportedly commanded millions in NIL deals—the program is set to free up a substantial amount of money. That creates an opportunity to aggressively pursue top targets, and a homegrown player like Chandler would be an ideal centerpiece.
Meanwhile, Kentucky is navigating its own transition. The coaching staff is undergoing changes, roster spots are opening, and Pope must prioritize rebuilding key positions—especially at point guard. With Lowe gone and only one incoming recruit currently secured, resources will need to be allocated carefully.
If BYU makes a strong push backed by both financial incentives and a compelling personal fit, Kentucky could find itself in a difficult position. In the modern college basketball landscape, even strong relationships don’t always outweigh opportunity.
For now, nothing is official. But the longer Chandler’s future remains undecided, the louder the speculation will grow—and for Kentucky, the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
