The recruitment of Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler has reached its final stage, with Kentucky Basketball still firmly in the mix for his services.
According to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim, Kohler has narrowed his list to Kentucky and BYU and is expected to make his decision today. Kansas and Louisville were previously involved, but both programs have now been eliminated.
Kentucky and BYU each held Zoom meetings with Kohler on Wednesday, with Kentucky’s meeting reportedly lasting approximately 2.5 hours. That gave Mark Pope and his staff plenty of time to make their case to the experienced frontcourt player.
The timing is especially important for Kentucky.
The Wildcats have one scholarship spot remaining on their 2026-27 roster, and Kohler has emerged as one of the leading candidates to fill it. Kentucky appears prepared to accept his commitment if he ultimately chooses the Wildcats.
However, there is still another major factor surrounding Kentucky’s final roster decision.
The Wildcats remain interested in Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell, who could arguably provide more talent. His situation, however, comes with significant uncertainty because of SEC transfer rules.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has maintained that conference transfer restrictions remain in effect for players who did not enter the transfer portal during the spring window. Recent court rulings have added another layer of uncertainty, while Tennessee’s decision to take former Vanderbilt center Jalen Washington has already challenged the practical application of those rules.
That uncertainty could make Kohler an increasingly appealing option for Pope.
Kohler brings experience from Michigan State and could provide Kentucky with another proven frontcourt presence. Still, the Wildcats face a difficult challenge from BYU.
The Cougars have long been viewed as the favorite, largely because Kohler is a Utah native who grew up roughly 15 minutes from BYU’s campus. That hometown connection could ultimately be difficult for Kentucky to overcome.
But Kentucky has clearly made this recruitment interesting.
Pope and his staff invested significant time in their latest meeting with Kohler, and the Wildcats have now reached the final two. Whether that effort is enough to pull off the upset remains to be seen.
With Kohler expected to announce his decision today, Kentucky fans could soon learn whether Pope has found the final piece of his 2026-27 roster.
The Wildcats may not be the favorite, but they have made it all the way to the finish line.
