The transfer portal opened this past week, leading to mass chaos in the college basketball world with the number of moving pieces hitting quadruple digits in a matter of days. That put Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats in a tough spot going into the Sweet 16 — along with everyone else making the second weekend — trying to balance winning now and

Mark Pope’s first season as Kentucky’s head coach was filled with highs and lows, but one thing is clear—he made a lasting impression on his players. After guiding the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, Pope earned praise from his team, with players acknowledging his impact both on and off the court.

After Kentucky basketball's loss to Tennessee in the Sweet 16 of March Madness, here's an early look at Mark Pope's 2025-26 Kentucky basketball roster