LEXINGTON — Kentucky Wildcats Coach Mark Pope Adds Another Center to Roster.
The Kentucky Wildcats secured a commitment on Saturday from Franck Kepnang, adding another experienced frontcourt piece to Mark Pope’s ongoing roster rebuild in Lexington.
Kepnang, who has spent his college career developing on the West Coast, brings size and interior presence to a Kentucky roster that continues to be reshaped through the transfer portal. His commitment was first reported by the UK Sports Network’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the Wildcats’ latest addition to their 2026 roster construction.
The move reflects Kentucky’s continued emphasis on adding depth and physicality in the paint as Pope looks to solidify his rotation heading into the upcoming season.
The 2026–27 campaign will mark Franck Kepnang’s seventh season as a collegiate player, reflecting a lengthy and winding development path through multiple programs and eligibility adjustments.
The 6-foot-11, 225-pound native of Cameroon began his career at Oregon Ducks in the 2020–21 season, a year in which the NCAA paused the eligibility clock for all athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic. That waiver effectively preserved a season of eligibility for many players, extending their college timelines beyond the traditional four-year window.
Kepnang then appeared in 35 games (including five starts) during the 2021–22 campaign with Oregon before transferring to the Washington Huskies. The move continued his West Coast journey and added another chapter to a college career defined by patience, development, and gradual role expansion across multiple stops.
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Franck Kepnang commits to Kentucky basketball via NCAA transfer portal
Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal
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LEXINGTON — Coach Mark Pope has found another center for Kentucky basketball’s roster.
The Wildcats netted a commitment Saturday from Franck Kepnang, who has played on the West Coast during his college career. Kepnang’s pledge was announced by the UK Sports Network’s official account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The 2026-27 campaign will be Kepnang’s seventh season as a collegian. The 6-foot-11, 225-pound native of Cameroon began his career at Oregon in 2020-21, a year in which the NCAA paused the eligibility clock for all athletes amid the coronavirus pandemic. After appearing in 35 games (with five starts) in 2021-22, Kepnang transferred to Washington.
He suffered a season-ending injury after playing in only eight games in 2022-23. In the next two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) Kepnang combined to play in 24 games
Last season was his best so far, as he made 25 starts in 27 appearances for the Huskies.
Kepnang finished third in the Big Ten in total blocks (55) and blocks per game (2.07) in 2025-26. He also averaged 6.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per outing.
Franck Kepnang highlights: Watch Kentucky basketball transfer portal commit
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
