Kentucky still has one scholarship spot available for the 2026-27 season, and the Wildcats may already have a good idea of how they could use it.
The NCAA eligibility situation surrounding players seeking an additional year of college basketball remains unresolved, leaving several programs waiting for clarity. Kentucky, however, appears prepared to move quickly if those players become eligible and available.
For Mark Pope, two names have emerged as potential options: Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler and Missouri forward Mark Mitchell.
Both could address an area where Kentucky may need additional help.
Kentucky Could Use More Rebounding
Pope has assembled another talented roster featuring plenty of length, shooting and offensive versatility. Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins are expected to anchor the backcourt, while Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno should play major roles.
Still, the power-forward position remains a potential question mark.
Moreno led Kentucky with 6.3 rebounds per game as a freshman last season. Franck Kepnang could provide another strong interior presence, but injuries have limited his college career.
That leaves Ousmane N’Diaye and Justin McBride as important options at the 4.
Adding an experienced frontcourt player could give Kentucky more physicality and depth.
Jaxon Kohler Could Be the Perfect Fit
If rebounding is Pope’s biggest concern, Kohler could be an ideal addition.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound Michigan State forward averaged 8.9 rebounds per game last season and was one of the Big Ten’s most productive players on the glass.
His 25.1% defensive rebounding rate was the best in the conference, while he also ranked among the Big Ten’s better offensive rebounders.
Kohler would also bring more than interior toughness.
He shot 38.9% from three-point range on 149 attempts last season and showed improvement as a secondary playmaker.
That combination of size, rebounding and shooting could give Pope another dimension.
Kohler’s father has previously indicated that Kentucky would be among the serious options if his son receives eligibility and is allowed to transfer, with BYU and Kansas also showing interest.
Mark Mitchell Offers More Versatility
Mitchell would provide a different type of upgrade.
The 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward has earned two All-SEC selections and spent his first two seasons at Duke before transferring to Missouri.
He averaged 5.2 rebounds per game last season, but his biggest value could come on defense.
Mitchell has the ability to defend away from the basket and switch onto different players, giving Pope another versatile option.
He also improved as a passer, posting a 21.1% assist rate, which ranked second in the SEC among players 6-foot-5 or taller.
Mitchell shot 38.8% from three-point range on 49 attempts, another encouraging development.
Which Player Does Kentucky Need More?
The answer may depend on what Pope believes the roster needs most.
If Kentucky wants rebounding, size and physicality, Kohler appears to be the better fit.
If the priority is defensive versatility, switchability and playmaking, Mitchell could be more attractive.
Either player would give Kentucky something valuable.
The Wildcats already have plenty of offensive firepower. What they may need most is another frontcourt piece capable of making the roster more balanced.
Kentucky doesn’t necessarily need another star.
It needs the right player.
And if the NCAA eligibility situation finally clears up, Pope could have one final opportunity to solve a major weakness before the 2026-27 season begins.
