Kentucky basketball is wasting no time exploring its options for the final piece of Mark Pope’s roster.
After Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler officially entered the transfer portal, the Wildcats have quickly moved into the picture. According to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim, Kentucky is scheduled to hold a Zoom meeting with Kohler and his camp on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward became eligible to explore the transfer portal after a California judge granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. Kohler has already spent four seasons at Michigan State and is now seeking the opportunity to play a potential fifth collegiate season.
Kohler would bring Kentucky an intriguing combination of size, rebounding, shooting and experience.
During the 2025-26 season, Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 38.9% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor from the frontcourt could make him especially attractive to Pope as Kentucky looks to round out its roster.
Kentucky has already seen firsthand what Kohler can do.
In Michigan State’s 83-66 victory over the Wildcats in the State Farm Champions Classic, Kohler delivered one of his best performances of the season. He finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. He also contributed five rebounds, two assists and a block.
That performance alone should give Kentucky plenty of confidence in what Kohler could potentially bring to Lexington.
Stylistically, Kohler could fill a role similar to the one Andrew Carr occupied during his season with Kentucky. Carr, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists while providing the Wildcats with floor spacing and versatility.
Kohler could offer many of those same qualities while bringing four years of Big Ten experience.
However, Kentucky’s pursuit comes with an important complication.
The Wildcats have also been closely linked to Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell, who remains another potential option for the final roster spot. Kentucky could be in a strong position with Mitchell if he ultimately receives the legal clearance necessary to enter the transfer portal.
That means Pope and his staff may eventually have to decide which player best fits the roster.
For now, though, Kentucky appears determined to keep multiple options available.
BYU is reportedly viewed as the favorite for Kohler, but the Wildcats clearly aren’t backing away. Scheduling a Zoom meeting this quickly shows that Pope’s staff is taking the opportunity seriously.
Kohler could provide Kentucky with another experienced frontcourt piece, particularly because he doesn’t necessarily need the offense built around him to make an impact.
With Kentucky already loaded with shooting and playmaking, a versatile forward who can rebound, defend, space the floor and make smart plays could be exactly what Pope is looking for.
The Wildcats may still have several possibilities for their final roster spot, but Jaxon Kohler is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing.
And with the Zoom meeting now scheduled, Kentucky’s final roster spot just became a lot more interesting.
