Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaland Lowe is planning to enter the transfer portal after a difficult year in Lexington. A shoulder injury limited the guard to just nine games this season, and it appears he is opting for a change in scenery for the second time in two years.
Jaland Lowe Plans to Enter the Transfer Portal
Lowe becomes the first Kentucky player to announce his future for next season following the team’s elimination from the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats’ season ended in a blowout loss to the No. 2-seeded Iowa State Cyclones.
After a frustrating junior year, Lowe will enter the transfer portal as he looks to return to top form. Jeff Goodman of “The Field of 68” shared the news on X.
NEWS: Kentucky guard Jaland Lowe plans to enter the transfer portal, sources told ESPN. Lowe averaged 16.8 points at Pitt in 2024-25 before transferring to Kentucky last spring. Played in just nine games for the Wildcats due to a shoulder injury.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 28, 2026
Lowe told “The Field of 68” that he will enter the transfer portal. The point guard averaged 16.8 points at the University of Pittsburgh in 2024–25 before transferring to Kentucky last spring. He played in just nine games for the Wildcats due to a shoulder injury.
Lowe had only joined the Wildcats last year, transferring from Pittsburgh. He was expected to play a key role, but a lingering shoulder injury meant he was not able to make much of an impact.
The 21-year-old played in just nine games for Kentucky this season. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 8.0 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. He dislocated his shoulder in October and again in November.
Lowe then played three games in December and four in January, but his shoulder issues persisted. He ultimately decided to undergo surgery on his injured shoulder in January, which marked the end of his season.
Despite his injury-curtailed year at Kentucky, Lowe had stated in March that he would be returning to UK basketball next year. “That’s the plan. I don’t think about leaving the team or leaving the coaching staff. But the plan has always been to come back. And I’d be happy with that,” he told The Courier Journal.
Ultimately, Lowe changed his mind and has opted to explore his options in the transfer portal once again. Because he made only nine appearances this season, he could qualify for a medical redshirt, which could help him regain a year of eligibility.
Last season, Lowe averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game at Pittsburgh. His performances helped him earn a spot on the All-ACC third team, so he could be an attractive option for teams looking for a point guard.
