Kentucky basketball fans have become familiar with roster turnover, but the transfer portal has created a new challenge for Big Blue Nation. Instead of watching former Wildcats move directly to the NBA, supporters must now prepare to see familiar faces competing against Kentucky in college basketball.
During John Calipari’s 15 seasons in Lexington, the Wildcats regularly recruited elite prospects who spent only one or two seasons in college before entering the NBA Draft. However, as Kentucky has landed fewer one-and-done stars in recent years, roster turnover has remained a constant, largely because of the transfer portal.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, 13 former Kentucky players are preparing to suit up for other college programs. Six departed following the 2025-26 campaign, while several others have continued their careers elsewhere after leaving during Calipari’s final season or Mark Pope’s first year.
Some have already found success at their new destinations, while others are searching for the consistency that eluded them in Lexington. Here is a closer look at the former Wildcats attracting attention this season.
DENZEL ABERDEEN — FLORIDA
Aberdeen enters the season surrounded by eligibility uncertainty after securing a court injunction allowing him to pursue another year of college basketball. Following three seasons at Florida and one at Kentucky, the guard is positioned for a potential return to Gainesville.
He averaged 13.5 points and 3.4 assists while starting 35 of 36 games for Kentucky last season. If his eligibility holds, Aberdeen could become an important contributor for a Florida team widely expected to challenge for national honors.
His situation remains worth monitoring because eligibility rulings can change through further legal proceedings.
AARON BRADSHAW — TENNESSEE STATE
Bradshaw’s college journey has taken him from Kentucky to Ohio State, Memphis and now Tennessee State. Once considered a potential NBA lottery prospect, the former five-star recruit is looking to establish himself at his fourth program in four seasons.
He averaged 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds at Memphis last season. Under coach Nolan Smith, Bradshaw will have another opportunity to demonstrate why he was once regarded as one of the nation’s premier prospects.
JORDAN BURKS — OKLAHOMA STATE
Burks struggled to find consistent playing time at Kentucky, averaging just 7.2 minutes per game as a freshman. However, his development improved after leaving Lexington.
Following stops at Georgetown and UCF, where he averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds last season, Burks is expected to compete for a starting role at Oklahoma State. His progression illustrates how a change of environment can help players unlock their potential.
COLLIN CHANDLER — BYU
Chandler’s departure represents a notable loss of experience for Pope’s program. After two seasons at Kentucky, the guard elected to transfer to BYU, the school he originally committed to before following Pope to Lexington.
Chandler averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists last season while shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. His perimeter shooting and veteran presence could be valuable for BYU, while Kentucky fans will have an opportunity to evaluate how much his absence affects the Wildcats.
MOUHAMED DIOUBATE — LSU
Dioubate is preparing for his third SEC program after previously playing for Alabama and Kentucky. During his lone season with the Wildcats, he averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds across 31 games.
He has already demonstrated his potential at LSU, recording 16 points and eight rebounds in an exhibition victory over McNeese State. His physicality and rebounding could make him an important part of Will Wade’s rotation.
BRANDON GARRISON — ALABAMA
Garrison showed flashes of promise during two seasons at Kentucky but struggled to deliver consistent production. He averaged 5.3 points and four rebounds across 71 appearances, starting only five games.
Now at Alabama, Garrison has an opportunity to make a fresh impression under Nate Oats. His exhibition performance offered encouragement, as he scored 15 points on seven-for-seven shooting in just 16 minutes against Furman.
JOEY HART — BALL STATE
Hart’s Kentucky career was brief, featuring only seven appearances and 10 minutes of action. After transferring to Ball State, he averaged 2.4 points as a sophomore before injuries restricted him to four games last season.
He showed scoring potential in those limited appearances, recording at least 15 points twice. Staying healthy could give Hart a chance to secure a more meaningful role.
ZVONIMIR IVISIC — ILLINOIS
Known affectionately as Big Z, Ivisic became a memorable figure during his Kentucky debut after an extended eligibility battle. He later followed Calipari to Arkansas before transferring to Illinois.
Last season, he contributed off the bench for a Final Four team, averaging 6.4 points. With another season ahead, Ivisic will look to provide valuable frontcourt depth for an Illinois squad expected to compete near the top nationally.
ANDRIJA JELAVIC — OHIO STATE
Jelavic started 20 games for Kentucky last season but averaged just 5.5 points and four rebounds. Despite arriving with a reputation as a versatile, floor-spacing forward, he shot only 27.6% from three-point range.
With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Ohio State offers him another opportunity to improve his consistency and establish a clearer role.
JASPER JOHNSON — OREGON
Johnson entered Kentucky with considerable recruiting expectations but averaged 4.9 points and 1.6 assists during his freshman season. He nevertheless delivered several encouraging performances, including a 22-point outing against NC Central.
His next chapter at Oregon faces uncertainty following Dana Altman’s retirement. Johnson could have additional decisions to make as the program navigates its coaching transition.
JALAND LOWE — GEORGETOWN
Lowe’s Kentucky season was disrupted by a shoulder injury that limited him to nine games. He averaged eight points and 2.4 assists when available, leaving questions about what he might have accomplished with a healthy campaign.
Now at Georgetown, Lowe recorded seven points and 10 assists in an exhibition against Wake Forest. His departure also helps explain why Pope strengthened Kentucky’s point-guard depth for the upcoming season.
TRAVIS PERRY — DAYTON
Kentucky’s all-time leading high school scorer is preparing for his third college program in three seasons. Perry averaged 2.7 points at Kentucky before transferring to Ole Miss, where his production increased to 5.3 points per game last season.
At Dayton, he will seek a larger role and a chance to rediscover the scoring touch that made him such a celebrated high school player.
D.J. WAGNER — MARYLAND
Wagner arrived at Kentucky with enormous expectations but averaged 9.9 points and 3.3 assists during his freshman season. He followed Calipari to Arkansas, where he improved before moving into a supporting role last year.
Maryland represents his first college destination outside Calipari’s coaching system. Wagner’s next challenge will be demonstrating that he can deliver consistent production in a different environment.
A NEW TEST FOR KENTUCKY AND ITS FORMER STARS
The 13 former Wildcats competing elsewhere highlight how dramatically college basketball has changed. Players can now seek new opportunities, pursue greater playing time and continue developing across multiple programs.
For Pope, the challenge is building a roster capable of competing nationally while managing the possibility of losing contributors every offseason.
For Kentucky fans, the 2026-27 campaign offers another storyline: watching familiar players attempt to thrive elsewhere while the Wildcats pursue success with a revamped roster. Several former Wildcats could emerge as major contributors, making their performances worth following throughout the season.
