Collin Chandler has addressed his decision to enter the transfer portal, offering a sincere and emotional message to Kentucky fans after two seasons in Lexington.
In a statement released Thursday night, Chandler expressed deep appreciation for Mark Pope, the coaching staff, his teammates, and the Big Blue Nation. He emphasized how his time at Kentucky shaped him both on and off the court, highlighting the support system that helped him grow throughout his journey.
“I am so grateful to Coach Pope, the assistant coaches and staff, my teammates, and the University of Kentucky and BBN for the last two years,” Chandler said. “You welcomed me into your family with open arms, were patient with me, and supported me every step of the way. You helped me grow so much—not just as a player, but as a man. You will always be family to me.”
The most talked-about part of his statement came at the end, where Chandler said he is “returning home.” While that phrasing initially created some confusion, it does not indicate a commitment to another school or a return to Kentucky. Instead, Chandler is heading back to Utah to reset and evaluate his next move.
Even so, early projections are already pointing toward a possible destination. Multiple recruiting predictions have linked Chandler to BYU—a program he was once committed to in high school when Mark Pope was still the head coach there. That prior connection could become a key factor in his final decision.
Chandler departs Kentucky after a solid season in which he averaged 9.7 points per game while shooting 41 percent from three-point range. His shooting ability made him a reliable offensive weapon, and his exit adds to the growing list of roster changes Kentucky must navigate this offseason.
There had been some speculation earlier that a return to Kentucky wasn’t completely off the table, but that now appears increasingly unlikely as Chandler looks ahead to a fresh start.
As the transfer portal continues to unfold, Chandler’s next destination will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.
