Collin Chandler had a polarizing sophomore season at Kentucky despite being the team’s third-leading scorer. The 6-foot-5 guard started 31 of the 36 games this past year, made highlight-reel plays, and shot the ball remarkably well. However, the sophomore struggled on defense and had a shaky handle, which proved costly for the Wildcats.
It was expected that he would return for another season in Lexington, possibly becoming the main offensive option after Otega Oweh exhausted his eligibility and Denzel Aberdeen explored the transfer portal. However, Chandler announced on Wednesday night something that surprised Big Blue Nation.
Kentucky Guard Collin Chandler Decides To Enter the Transfer Portal With a Do-Not-Contact Tag
Chandler announced he is entering the transfer portal, joining former teammates Aberdeen, Jaland Lowe, Jasper Johnson, Brandon Garrison, Mo Dioubate, and Andrija Jelavic in their efforts to find a new program that best fits their talents.
NEWS: Kentucky guard Collin Chandler has entered the transfer portal, a source tells @247Sports.
Averaged 9.7 PPG and shot 41.0% from three.
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) April 8, 2026
The Farmington, Utah, native became a fan favorite because of his highlight dunks and shooting skills. This past season, he averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the Wildcats, who finished 22-14 and were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Iowa State.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
Citing sources close to the discussion, Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones reported that Chandler ultimately decided to explore the transfer portal after Kentucky declined his request for a larger NIL deal. The guard was shockingly requesting the second-highest NIL amount ever handed out by the university to a student-athlete.
Source tells KSR that two days ago Chandler asked for a number that would have been the 2nd largest amount any player has gotten at UK
UK declined to match
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 8, 2026
This is a major blow to Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and the program overall. The news is upsetting because Pope lost someone who could have potentially led the team next season.
Chandler’s announcement also disappoints both the team and the fanbase, who had expected weeks ago that the guard had a good chance of returning for another year.
Additionally, the “do-not-contact” tag makes this situation even more interesting, as it indicates that Chandler may have already decided on his next destination. Under these circumstances, teams cannot start recruiting him, but he is free to reach out to programs.
Before joining Kentucky, Chandler had previously committed to BYU when Pope was the coach. He was on a two-year Mormon mission when the former Wildcats captain accepted the job at Lexington in April 2024. The player immediately changed his commitment and went to Kentucky to follow Pope.
