Kentucky Wildcats News: Collin Chandler Salute

Kentucky's guard Collin Chandler (5) scores a three to give them the lead against Tennessee's forward Jaylen Carey (23) at Rupp Arena Saturday night. Feb. 7, 2026 | Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Good morning, BBN!

We are starting to get a clearer picture of what the Kentucky Basketball roster will look like next season, as players have entered the portal and transfer targets are starting to emerge. However, we might need to keep an eye on a potential return from the latest portal entrant for the Cats. According to a report by Joe Tipton of On3 Thursday, Collin Chandler was keeping the door open for a potential return to Lexington, depending on negotiations over the next few days.

Well, it appears that the decision might have already been made as Chandler said goodbye to the BBN on Thursday night, mentioning a return home. Chandler entered his name into the portal on Wednesday, with all signs pointing to a return to Utah to play for the BYU Cougars. However, the connection with Mark Pope is real and has been long-standing, but it appears that wasn’t enough ot keep him in Lexington.

All told, we should still be thankful for Chandler’s time in Lexington. As a freshman, he helped steady the ship when multiple point guard injuries threatened to derail the season. And this past season, Chandler made game-winning plays on multiple occasions, including twice in the sweep of Tennessee.